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3Jnrtb  (Earoltna  S>tatp 


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NORTH  CAROLINA  STATE  UNIVERSITY  LIBRARIES 


S00564298   Y 


20565 

This  book  is  due  on  the  date  indicated 
below  and  is  subject  to  an  overdue  fine 
as  posted  at  the  Circulation  Desk. 


APR  27  1966 


APR  2^_ 

J975 

n  3  1976 
JAN2  41979 

Mf  h  j  7  J99f 


DISEASES 

OF   SWINE 

With  Special  Reference  to  the 
Preventive  Measures  of  Disease 

BY 

ROBERT  A.  CRAIG,  D.V.M. 

Professor  of  Veterinary  Science  and  Experiment  Station  Veterinarian, 
Purdue  University,  Lafayette^  Ind. 

ILLUSTRATED 

orange  judd  company 

NEW      YORK. 

I9I3 

Copyright,  1906, 
BY  ORANGE  JUDD  COMPANY 


Printed  t»j   f/.  5.  A. 


CONTENTS 


Prefach vii 

Part  I : 

Diagnosis  of  Diseases „  i 

Administration  of  Medicine      .....  4 
General  Diseases  : 

Digestive  Organs 8-26 

Liver 27-30 

Urinary  Organs 31-37 

Spleen 38 

Respiratory  Tract 39-52 

Heart 53-56 

Nervous  System 57-65 

Generative  Organs 66-79 

Skin 80-85 

Locomotory  Organs 86-93 

Part  II  : 

Surgical  Diseases 97-114 

Part  III  : 

Infectious  Diseases     , 117-158 

Part  IV  : 

Parasitic  Diseases 159-186 

lyisT  OF  Books  used  as  Reference     ,     ,  187 

Index    .     „     , 189 

20565 


ILLUSTRATIONS 


PAGE 


Badly  Cared  for  Wound  in  the  Abdominal  Wall  .  25 

Tape  Worm  or  Hydatid  Cysts  in  the  Liver  Tissue  28 

Section  of  Liver  Tissue  Pigmented  by  Bile  ...  29 

Diseased  Kidney  Showing  Red  or  Petechial  Spots  33 

Large  Diseased  Kidney 35 

Pig  Extractor  ("  Cinch  "  ) 73 

Black  or  Pigmented  Tumors  from  Sow's  Udder    .  75 

Skin  Disease  Caused  by  Muck  Dirt 83 

Wart  from  Throat  of  Hog 84 

Litter  of  Pigs  Affected  with  Rickets 88 

Rhachitic  Swellings  on  the  Hock  Joints  of  a  Pig  .  90 

Cholera  Hog 121 

Cholera  Pig 122 

Piece  of  Intestine  Showing  Hog  Cholera  I'lcers    .  127 
Plan  fur  Goodell  Portable  Hog  house,  vvith  Speci- 
fications         131 

Hog  Louse  and  Hair,  with  Eggs  Attached  .     .     .162 

Dipping  Tank 165 

Plan  for  Goodell  Dipping  Tank,  with  Specifica- 
tions         166 

Common  Round  Worms .168 

Round  Worms  in  a  Piece  of  Intestine      .     .     .     .169 
Male  Thorn-Headed  Worm  Attached  to  Wall  of 

Intestine 171 

Whip  Worms  Attached  to  Wall  of  Intestines  .     .175 

Section  of  Hog's  Kidney  Showing  Kidney  Worms  iSo 


PREFACE 

The  literature  bearing  on  diseases  of  hogs  is  very 
scattering,  and  it  is  believed  that  a  short  treatise  on 
this  subject  will  be  of  use  to  stockmen  and  veterina- 
rians. There  is  a  special  need  for  a  work  of  this  kind 
— made  known  by  the  many  inquiries  received  by  the 
veterinarians  from  the  swine  breeders  over  the  coun- 
try, and  in  other  ways.  Not  long  ago  the  Purdee 
University  Agricultural  Experiment  Station  issued 
a  bulletin  on  swine  diseases  that  proved  one  of 
the  most  popular  bulletins  ever  issued  by  this  Station. 

In  no  other  class  of  farm  animals  is  so  little  atten- 
tion given  the  preventive  measures  of  disease,  and,  as 
a  result,  the  per  cent,  of  loss  is  about  twice  as  great 
as  it  is  in  other  species.  In  discussing  the  different 
diseases,  the  causes  and  preventive  measures  are  given 
special  attention  by  the  writer. 

There  is  a  certain  class  of  readers  that  believe  it 
unnecessary  to  learn  the  correct  name  of  a  disease,  or 
use  the  correct  term  in  speaking  of  a  diseased  proc- 
ess. However,  such  technical  terms  have  come  into 
more  general  use  during  the  last  few  years,  and  the 
average  reader  is  familiar  with  the  ones  commonly 
used.  In  the  different  discussions  the  use  of  tech- 
nical terms  is  avoided  as  far  as  deemed  best,  and  an 
effort  is  made  to  avoid  complicated  and  long  discus- 
sions because  of  the  difficulty  in  understanding  them. 

R.  A.  Craig. 
Purdue  University, 

March  jj,  I  got* 


w 

K       en 

fc,    IS 


DISEASES^  OF    SWINE 


GENERAL    DISEASES 

DIAGNOSIS  OR  RECOGNITION  OF  DISEASE 

The  diagnosis  is  based  on  a  careful  observation  of 
the  symptoms  or  evidences  of  disease.  This  is  not  as 
difficult  in  swine  as  it  is  in  some  of  the  other  farm 
animals,  but  unless  we  are  acquainted  with  the  be- 
havior and  habits  of  swine  and  possess  a  knowledge 
of  the  normal  function  and  appearance  of  the  differ- 
ent organs  of  the  body,  we  cannot  expect  to  recognize 
disease.  This  is  very  essential,  for  without  it  we  are 
unable  to  recognize  the  true  nature  of  the  diseased 
process,  and  cannot  use  an  intelligent  line  of  treat- 
ment. Stockmen  have  plenty  of  opportunity  to  gain 
this  knowledge  by  practical  experience  and  careful 
observation. 

The  general  symptoms  of  disease  are  those  affect- 
ing the  entire  system.  They  inform  us  as  to  the  con- 
dition of  the  animal  at  the  outset  and  during  the  prog- 
ress of  the  disease.  Thus  we  have  the  symptoms 
connected  with  the  (a)  pulse,  {b)  respirations,  {c) 
body  temperature,  {d)  visible  mucous  membranes, 
{e)  surface  of  the  body,  (f)  secretions  and  excre- 
tions, and  {g)  nervous  system. 


2  DISEASES      OF      SWINE 

Tlic  niimber  of  respirations  per  minute  will  vary  in 
a  healthy  animal,  and  are  frequently  accompanied  by 
respiratory  sounds,  as  grunting,  etc.  During  rest 
they  vary  from  ten  to  twenty  per  minute ;  if  warm  or 
excited  and  during  exercise,  from  sixty  to  one  hun- 
dred. 

In  disease  the  respiration  may  be  quickened,  la- 
bored, and  noisy.  In  pleurisy  the  walls  of  the  chest 
are  held  more  or  less  rigid,  and  the  abdominal  walls 
are  used  in  breathing.  This  is  called  the  abdominal 
form  of  respiration.  In  the  thoracic  form,  which 
occurs  in  an  inflammation  of  the  lining  membrane  of 
the  abdomen,  the  abdominal  walls  are  held  rigid  and 
the  movement  of  the  chest  walls  is  increased.  In 
thumps  a  sudden  contraction  of  the  flanks  occurs. 

In  the  different  diseases  of  the  air  passages  and 
lungs  the  altered  sounds  and  movements  of  the 
respiratory  muscles  are  of  great  importance,  both  in 
the  recognition  of  the  different  diseases  and  in  noting 
their  progress.  The  secretions  from  the  lining  mem- 
branes are  also  increased  and  modified.  When  the 
air  passages  are  irritated  by  dust  and  lung  worms, 
sneezing  and  coughing  occur.  The  different  lung 
sounds,  nasal  secretions,  etc.,  will  be  discussed  in  con- 
nection with  the  different  respiratory  diseases. 

The  body  fe)iiperature,  as  in  all  farm  animals,  is 
taken  in  the  rectum,  the  ordinary  fever  thermometer 
being  used.  The  normal  temperature  of  a  hog  varies 
from  100.5°  to  105°.  The  average  is  about  103°. 
The  variation  in  the  body  temperature  in  health  is 
due  to  the  following  conditions :  exercise  and  warm 


GENERAL     DISEASES  3 

quarters  will  raise  it,  while  cold  quarters  and  drink- 
ing cold  water  has  the  opposite  effect. 

In  disease  there  may  be  from  one  to  four  degrees 
of  fever.  In  some  disorders  the  body  temperature  is 
below  the  normal. 

The  visible  mucous  membranes  are  those  lining  the 
mouth,  nose,  and  eyelids.  They  may  become  changed 
in  appearance  in  acute  and  chronic  forms  of  disease. 

In  health  the  visible  mucous  membranes  are  a  pale 
reddish  color  and  appear  moist.  Their  color,  how- 
ever, will  vary,  and  may  become  a  deep  red  during 
exercise.  The  following  changes  may  be  noted  in 
disease:  when  inflamed  and  in  feverish  conditions,  a 
bright  red ;  in  collapse,  internal  hemorrhage,  and  im- 
poverished or  bloodless  conditions  of  the  body,  pale; 
in  the  beginning  of  a  fever,  dry,  but  in  later  stages, 
excessively  moist.  The  mucous  membrane  lining  the 
mouth  may  become  coated  and  soapy,  like  in  digest- 
ive diseases.  In  hog  cholera  and  other  serious  febrile 
diseases,  secretions  may  accumulate  around  the  mar- 
gins of  the  eyelids  and  the  eyes  appear  dull. 

The  skin  of  a  healthy  hog  feels  mellow  and  soft, 
and  the  coat  appears  heavy,  smooth,  and  glossy.  How- 
ever, the  skin  and  coat  of  a  healthy  animal  are  subject 
to  a  great  deal  of  variation  because  of  the  surround- 
ings and  care.  When  the  coat  is  thin,  irritation  from 
the  sun  and  dirt  may  greatly  change  the  appearance 
of  the  skin.  An  inelastic,  hard,  rigid,  scurvy  skin, 
and  a  dry,  thin,  rough,  harsh  coat  indicate  an  un- 
thrifty, unhealthy  condition. 

The  character  of  the  body  excretions  and.  secre- 


4  DISEASES      OF      SWINE 

tions  will  be  discussed  in  connection  with  the  symp- 
toms of  the  different  diseases.  These  become  greatly 
changed  in  some  cases,  and  are  important  symptoms 
of  disease. 

The  condition  of  the  nervous  system  is  indicated  by 
dulness,  excitability,  or  delirium.  The  hog  may 
stagger,  walk  stiffly,  drop  the  head,  turn  the  head  to 
one  side,  walk  in  a  circle,  have  convulsions,  and  show 
a  paralysis  of  a  part  or  the  whole  body,  as  a  result  of 
a  diseased  condition  of  some  part  of  the  nervous 
system. 

ADMINISTRATION  OF  MEDICINE 

The  different  methods  of  giving  medicine  are  as 
follows:  (a)  by  way  of  the  mouth,  (b)  by  injecting 
into  the  tissues  beneath  the  skin,  (c)  by  rubbing  into 
the  skin,  (d)  by  the  air  passages  and  lungs,  and  (e) 
by  the  rectum. 

By  zvay  of  the  mouth  is  the  most  common  method 
of  dosing  hogs.  Medicine  can  be  given  in  the  feed 
or  as  a  drench.  Because  of  the  comparative  simple 
digestive  tract,  drugs  enter  the  system  quickly  and 
act  in  a  short  time  when  either  of  these  methods  is 
used. 

If  the  hog  is  not  too  sick  to  eat  and  the  drug 
does  not  have  an  unpleasant  taste,  it  can  be  given  in 
the  feed.  If  soluble,  milk  or  thin  slop  can  be  used, 
and  if  insoluble,  ground  feed  is  to  be  preferred. 
When  a  large  number  of  swine  are  to  be  dosed,  they 
should  be  separated  into  small  bunches  and  each 
bunch  dosed  separately.     Ir   all  cases  when  the  dose 


GENERAL      DISEASE  5 

is  large  or  poisonous  drugs  used,  the  medicine  must 
be  well  mixed  with  the  feed.  If  this  is  practiced, 
there  is  more  certainty  of  each  animal  getting  the 
proper  dose  and  the  danger  from  over-dosing  is 
avoided.  In  young  pigs  we  can  take  advantage  of 
the  fact  that  some  drugs  are  excreted  in  the  milk, 
and  administer  them  to  the  mother. 

Drenching  a  hog  is  not  difficult  if  the  animal  is 
easy  to  manage  and  we  go  about  it  quietly.  The 
quickest  and  easiest  way  to  drench  a  drove  of  hogs 
is  to  drive  them  into  a  small  pen,  where  they  have 
but  little  room  to  move  about.  To  hold  the  animal 
while  drenching  it,  a  noose  of  sash  cord  or  quarter- 
inch  rope  can  be  placed  around  the  upper  jaw  well 
back  toward  the  angles  of  the  lips,  and  the  medicine 
thrown  into  the  back  part  of  the  mouth  with  a  dose 
syringe.  As  there  is  danger  of  the  hog  breaking  the 
syringe,  it  is  best  to  use  a  metal  one.  Sometimes 
when  the  drench  is  bulky  and  the  hog  hard  to  hold, 
it  is  necessary  to  elevate  the  head  and  raise  the  fore 
feet  off  the  ground.  For  this  purpose  a  pulley  and 
rope  wire  stretcher  is  recommended.  It  should  be 
hung  in  the  most  convenient  part  of  the  pen,  and  the 
animal  secured  in  the  usual  way  by  placing  a  noose 
around  the  jaw.  The  end  of  the  rope  is  thrown  over 
the  hook  in  the  lower  pulley  and  the  hog  drawn  up 
until  it  is  almost  off  the  floor.  It  is  best  to  wait  until 
the  hog  has  become  auiet  and  well  under  control 
before  giving  it  the  drench,  as  there  is  some  danger 
of  the  medicine  gettinr  into  the  air  passages  and 
doing  harm.     If  there  is  any  chance  for  the  hogs  that 


6  DISEASES      OF      SWINE 

have  been  dosed  to  become  mixed  with  the  others, 
they  should  be  marked  with  paint  in  order  to  avoid 
mistakes. 

Soluble  drugs  are  best  given  in  a  milk  or  water 
drench,  insoluble  ones  in  syrup  or  oil.  Instead  of  a 
syringe,  a  long-necked  bottle,  or  a  funnel  with  rubber 
tubing  and  an  iron  nozzle,  can  be  used.  However,  it 
is  not  advisable  to  use  a  bottle,  as  there  is  danger  of 
the  hog  breaking  it  and  cutting  his  mouth  on  the 
glass. 

Non-irritating  drugs  can  be  injected  into  the  tissues 
beneath  the  skin.  This  method  of  giving  drugs  is 
suitable  when  the  dose  is  small,  and  prompt,  energetic 
results  required.  The  active  principal  or  alkaloid  of 
the  drug  is  generally  used. 

The  point  of  injection  should  be  where  the  skin  is 
thin,  as  the  flank,  belly,  inside  of  the  thigh,  etc.  In 
fat  hogs  a  part  where  there  is  but  little  fatty  tissue 
should  be  chosen  or  the  injection  made  direct  into 
the  muscular  tissue,  otherwise  it  will  not  be  absorbed 
promptly.  The  needle  and  hypodermic  syringe  must 
be  clean,  and  the  skin  cleaned  with  a  disinfectant  be- 
fore passing  a  needle  through  it,  in  order  to  prevent 
infection  and  abscess  formation. 

Giving  medicine  by  way  of  the  air  passages  and 
lungs  is  but  little  used  in  hogs.  Drugs  in  the  form  of 
medicated  steam  or  vapors  are  sometimes  used  for 
their  local  effect  on  the  air  passages.  Veterinarians 
seldom  attempt  to  anesthetize  a  hog,  especially  if  fat, 
as  it  is  too  difficult  and  very  apt  to  kill  the  animal. 

Drugs   suitable   for  the   purpose   of   inhalation   are 


GENERAL     DISEASES  7 

turpentine,  creoHn,  tar  disinfectants,  sulphur,  etc. 
Turpentine  is  the  one  most  .used,  and  is  easily  dissem- 
inated by  pouring  on  boiling  water  or  on  hot  bricks. 
It  is  necessary  to  put  the  hogs  into  a  tight  enclosure, 
or  they  will  get  but  little  benefit  from  the  vapors. 
However,  care  must  be  taken  or  the  animals  may  suf- 
fer from  the  lack  of  air. 

Drugs  given  hy  ivay  of  the  rectum  in  the  form  of 
an  injection,  enema  or  clyster,  are  used  for  their  local 
efifect  on  the  intestine  and  to  accelerate  the  action  of 
a  purgative. 

It  is  best  to  use  some  form  of  a  fountain  syringe 
in  giving  a  rectal  injection.  About  two  feet  of  rub- 
ber tubing  carrying  a  funnel  at  one  end  will  answer 
the  purpose  very  well.  In  giving  an  injection,  the 
feces  should  be  first  removed  from  the  rectum  and 
the  nozzle  V  of  the  syringe  smeared  with  vaseline  be- 
fore introducing  it.  From  two  to  four  quarts  of 
water  may  be  slowly  injected  into  the  intestines  of  a 
grown  hog.  When  giving  a  large  injection,  it  is  best 
to  elevate  the  hind  parts,  so  as  to  help  the  water  to 
gravitate  forward  along  the  canal. 


DISEASES  OF  THE  DIGESTIVE  ORGANS 

SIMPLE  INFLAMMATION  OF  THE  MOUTH- 
STOMATITIS 

Simple  sore  mouth  in  hogs  is  no  doubt  more 
common  than  we  are  aware  of,  as  a  large  per  cent, 
of  the  cases  do  not  show  marked  symptoms  and 
escape  notice. 

Causes. — Among  the  common  causes  of  this  dis- 
ease can  be  mentioned  putrid  or  decomposed  slops, 
and  water  from  foul  wallows,  especially  that  contain- 
ing seepage  from  hog  lots  and  manure  heaps.  Such 
fluids  contain  a  large  number  of  injurious  germs 
which  may  irritate  the  lining  membrane  of  the  mouth, 
and  if  the  hog  is  unthrifty,  or  the  mucous  membrane 
abraded,  are  very  apt  to  produce  disease. 

Wounds  and  irritation,  caused  by  awns  and  beards 
of  barley  and  wheat  in  the  feed  and  the  rope  loops 
used  in  catching  hogs,  may  be  the  direct  or  indirect 
causes  of  the  parts  becoming  inflamed.  Small  inflamed 
patches  are  frequently  seen  on  the  inside  of  the  lips, 
cheeks,  and  other  parts  of  the  mouth  in  such  diseases 
as  hog  cholera,  swine  plague,  anthrax,  and  actino- 
mycosis. 

Symptoms. — At  the  beginning  of  the  inflammation 
the  mucous  membrane  lining  the  mouth  is  hot,  dry, 
and  red.    This  stage  of  the  disease  is  so  short  that  it 

8 


DISEASES  OF  THE  DIGESTIVE  ORGANS  9 

is  often  overlooked,  and,  usually,  it  is  not  until  the 
stage  of  secretion  begins .  that  the  inflammation  is 
noticed.  When  this  occurs,  saliva  is  seen  dribbling 
from  the  mouth  and  hanging  in  ropes  from  the  lips. 
The  hog  shows  a  disposition  to  eat  sparingly,  or  re- 
fuses to  eat  at  all,  mastication  is  painful,  and  the 
mouth  has  a  bad  odor. 

The  animal  will  champ  the  jaws  at  times,  and  seems 
to  find  relief  in  running  the  snout  into  water.  Slops 
and  soft  foods  are  preferred,  and  if  corn  is  taken  into 
the  mouth,  the  animal  is  unable  to  chew  it  and  a  large 
part  will  drop  out.  Mild  cases  do  not  show  marked 
symptoms,  and  only  a  slight  or  local  soreness  is 
noticed. 

Simple  sore  mouth  is  not  a  serious  disease  and  re- 
covery usually  occurs  within  a  few  days,  even  when 
little  or  no  treatment  is  used. 

Treatment. — Preventive  measures  are  important. 
Hogs  should  not  be  fed  grains  containing  awns,  and 
when  catching  hogs  with  a  loop  we  should  be  care- 
ful and  not  bruise  the  mouth.  Hot  and  putrid  foods 
and  irritating  drenches  should  not  be  given,  not  be- 
cause of  their  irritatmg  effect  on  the  mouth  alone,  but 
because  of  the  injurious  effect  they  have  on  other 
parts  of  the  digestive  system. 

To  relieve  the  pain  and  help  in  keeping  the  mouth 
clean,  plenty  of  clean  water  should  be  placed  where 
the  hog  can  run  his  snout  into  it.  Hard,  dry  foods 
should  be  withheld  and  the  animal  fed  nothing  but 
sloppy  feeds. 

The   medicinal   treatment   consists   in   washing   the 


lO  DISEASES      OF      SWINE 

mouth  twice  a  day  with  an  astringent  or  antiseptic 
wash.  A  four  per  cent,  water  sokition  of  boric  acid 
or  alum  can  be  used.  These  washes  are  especially 
advisable  in  young  pigs.  A  one  or  two  per  cent, 
water  solution  of  some  of  the  tar  disinfectants  is  best 
in  cases  that  have  a  disagreeable  odor  and  sloughing 
of  the  mucous  membrane.  The  treatment  should  be 
kept  up  until  the  inflammation  subsides  and  the  hog 
begins  to  eat. 

DEPRAVED  APPETITE 

Depraved  appetite  is  not  a  very  common  or  im- 
portant disease  of  hogs.  It  generally  occurs  as  a 
symptom  of  some  other  disease,  but  may  occur  as  a 
result  of  feeding  a  faulty  ration  (one  deficient  in 
alkaline  or  earthy  salts),  lack  of  exercise,  digestive 
disorders,  and  a  nervous  condition.  It  is  frequently 
noticed  at  the  beginning  of  a  hog  cholera  outbreak. 

Symptons. — Hogs  do  not  thrive  as  they  should 
when  affected  by  this  disease,  and  they  may  become 
very  thin  and  out  of  condition.  An  inclination  to  eat 
all  sorts  of  indigestible  substances,  such  as  earth, 
sand,  feces,  bristles,  rotten  wood,  etc.,  is  shown. 
Sometimes  the  animals  become  very  nervous  and 
quarrelsome,  and  attack  one  of  their  number  and  kill 
it.  When  affected  by  this  disease,  some  sows  eat 
their  young  pigs. 

Treatment. — This  is  chiefly  preventive,  and  con- 
sists in  adding  to  the  ration  whatever  elements  it  is 
deficient  in.  When  occurring  as  a  symptom  of  some 
other  disease,  the  primary  disease  should  be  treated. 


DISEASES    OF    THE   DIGESTIVE    ORGANS  II 

The  feeding  of  charcoal,  salt,  wood  ashes,  etc.,  may 
supply  the  elements  needed  by  the  system  and  re- 
lieve the  condition.  When  a  sow  forms  the  habit  of 
eating  her  pigs,  she  should  not  be  used  for  breeding 
purposes. 

ACUTE  INDIGESTION— ACUTE  GASTRITIS 

Acute  indigestion  is  not  an  uncommon  disease  of 
hogs.  It  frequently  occurs  in  swill-fed  and  fattening 
hogs. 

Causes. — The  common  causes  of  irritation  to  the 
stomach  are  overloading  and  eating  spoiled  foods, 
especially  putrid  swills.  Alkaline  washing  powders 
and  soaps  in  the  swill,  and  the  feeding  of  hog  chol- 
era medicine  as  a  preventive  for  hog  cholera,  may  ir- 
ritate and  inflame  the  stomach.  Poor  care  and  ex- 
posure may  also  cause  it. 

Symptoms. — The  hog  usually  goes  off  by  itself  and 
lies  down  in  some  quiet  place,  or  stands  with  the  back 
arched  and  abdomen  tense.  Vomiting  sometimes,  oc- 
curs early  in  the  attack.  The  animal  is  dull  and 
feverish,  and  is  usually  found  lying  down  in  the 
litter  around  straw  stacks  and  manure  heaps,  or  in 
the  long  grass  and  weeds.  When  disturbed,  it  will 
grunt  and  show  other  evidence  of  abdominal  pain. 

In  severe  cases  the  animal  is  quite  feverish,  and  if 
the  intestines  are  irritated  a  diarrhoea  occurs.  This  is 
a  frequent  complication. 

When  vomiting  occurs  early  in  the  attack  the  ir- 
ritating material  is  gotten  rid  of,  and  the  course 
of  the  disease  is  shortened.     In  most  cases  recovery 


12  DISEASES      OF      SWINE 

does  not  occur  for  several  days,  and  it  may  end  in 
the  chronic  form. 

Treatment. — Decomposed  and  irritating  foods 
should  not  be  fed.  We  should  also  practice  care 
when  irritating  drugs  are  given  in  the  feed  and  as  a 
drench,  as  their  careless  use  may  irritate  the  stomach. 

It  is  always  desirable  to  induce  vomiting  as  soon 
as  possible  by  giving  an  emetic.  Ipecacuanha  is  a  very 
useful  emetic.  The  dose  is  twenty  or  thirty  grains 
in  a  little  warm  water.  This  should  be  followed  by 
a  physic  of  linseed  oil  (two  or  three  ounces).  If  the 
weather  is  disagreeable,  the  hog  should  be  given 
comfortable  quarters,  and  when  it  begins  to  eat,  fed 
a  light,  sloppy  diet  for  a  few  days. 

CHRONIC  INDIGESTION— CHRONIC  GASTRITIS 

Causes. — When  the  causes  of  acute  indigestion  act 
for  some  time,  either  in  an  intermittent  or  contin- 
uous manner,  it  may  result  in  the  indigestion  becom- 
ing chronic.  Weakness  or  debility  hinders  digestion 
of  the  food  in  the  stomach,  and  is  a  common  pre- 
disposing cause.  Other  causes  are  intestinal  worms 
and  innutritions  food. 

Symptoms. — In  the  beginning  the  symptoms  are 
usually  the  same  as  in  the  acute  form  of  the  disease. 
Hogs  become  unthrifty,  and  pigs  grow  slowly  and 
become  badly  stunted.  The  animal  is  constipated,  or 
constipation  and  diarrhoea  may  alternate.  Colicky  at- 
tacks occur  at  times,  manifested  by  restlessness  and 
other  symptoms  of  abdominal  pain. 


DISEASES    OF    THE    DIGESTIVE    ORGANS  I3 

This  disease  may  persist  for  a  long  time,  and  the 
hog  becomes  badly  stunted. 

Treatment. — Preventive  measures  along  the  same 
line  as  in  acute  indigestion  are  indicated.  If  the  ra- 
tion is  at  fault  it  should  be  changed,  and  if  intestinal 
parasites  are  the  cause  of  the  disease,  they  should  be 
gotten  rid  of  in  the  usual  way. 

Clean  quarters  and  a  well-balanced,  easily  digested 
ration  should  be  provided.  The  hog  should  be  given 
access  to  plenty  of  common  salt  and  charcoal.  In 
most  cases  it  is  best  to  give  a  tonic  in  order  to  in- 
crease the  activity  of  the  digestive  organs.  The  fol- 
lowing is  a  useful  tonic  mixture,  and  can  be  given  in 
teaspoonful  doses  in  the  feed  twice  a  day :  bicar- 
bonate of  soda  (three  ounces),  powdered  gentian 
(three  drams),  sulphate  of  soda  (three  ounces).  Any 
of  the  bitter  and  saline  tonics  are  useful  in  helping 
to  relieve  this  condition.  To  check  the  diarrhoea, 
nitrate  of  bismuth  can  be  given  in  half-dram  or  dram 
doses.  If  the  animal  is  constipated,  a  physic  of  calo- 
mel (ten  to  twenty  grains)  or  castor  oil  should  be 
given. 

INFLAMMATION  OF  THE  STOMACH  AND  INTES- 
TINES—GASTRO-  ENTERITIS 

Inflammation  of  the  stomach  cannot  be  distin- 
guished by  the  symptoms  shown  from  that  of  the 
intestines  and  vice  versa.  Frequently  both  are  in- 
flamed at  the  same  time.  It  is,  therefore,  more  con- 
venient to  discuss  both  under  the  one  head. 

Causes. — This  disease-  is  largely  due  to  filthy  sur- 


14  DISEASES      OF      SWINE 

roundings  and  irritating  feeds.  Some  people  seem 
to  think  that  a  hog  can  eat  anything  and  take  poison 
with  impunity,  and,  as  a  result,  it  frequently  suffers 
from  ignorant  methods  in  the  feeding,  care,  and 
giving  of  drugs. 

The  cause  of  inflammation  of  the  stomach  and  in- 
testines are  much  the  same  as  in  acute  indigestion, 
only  they  act  more  intensely.  Dirty,  filthy  yards  and 
pens,  and  decomposed,  overkept  foods  can  be  espe- 
cially mentioned.  When  hogs  are  kept  under  such 
conditions  the  snout  and  food  becomes  soiled  with 
filth  and  injurious  organisms.  These  enter  the  diges- 
tive tract  and  irritate  the  lining  membrane,  causing 
it  to  become  inflamed,  and  paving  the  way  for  cer- 
tain bacteria  that  would  under  other  conditions  prove 
harmless. 

Toxic  or  poisonous  substances,  as  salt  brine,  wash- 
ing powders,  wash  waters,  etc.,  that  are  frequently 
found  in  the  swill,  may  cause  a  severe  inflammation 
of  the  stomach  and  intestines. 

Symptoms. — The  first  symptoms  usually  noticed 
are  those  of  severe  abdominal  pain.  The  back  is 
arched,  the  ears  droop,  and  the  abdomen  is  tucked 
up.  When  the  abdominal  walls  are  pressed  on  the 
hog  will  flinch  and  show  other  evidence  of  pain,  such 
as  grunting,  squealing,  restlessness,  champing  and 
grinding  of  the  teeth.  The  body  temperature  is  high- 
er than  normal,  especially  at  the  beginning  of  the 
disease.  If  the  intestinal  contents  ferment  or  ob- 
struct the  intestines,  bloating  occurs.  The  inflamma- 
tion causes  the  animal  to  suffer  severely  at  first,  and 


DISEASES  OF  THE  DIGESTIVE  ORGANS  15 

have  an  intense  thirst.  The  intestines  are  consti- 
pated at  this  stage  of  the  disease,  later  a  diarrhoea 
is  present.  When  the  stomach  is  involved,  vomiting 
is  one  of  the  prominent  symptoms. 

The  hog  finally  becomes  very  weak,  and  is  gen- 
erally seen  lying  down  in  a  bed  that  it  has  rooted  for 
itself  in  the  htter.  There  is  no  rule  as  to  the  duration 
of  the  disease.  It  may  last  for  a  short  time  or  con- 
tinue for  a  week  or  more. 

Lesions. — The  mucous  membrane  lining  the  stom- 
ach and  intestines  is  thickened  and  inflamed.  If  the 
inflammatory  changes  have  been  going  on  for  some 
time,  small  pouch-like  ulcers  (follicular)  may  be  seen 
scattered  over  the  mucous  surface.  The  mesenteric 
lymphatic  glands  are  also  red  and  inflamed. 

In  severe  cases  the  entire  wall  of  the  small  intes- 
tine and  the  peritoneum  may  take  part  in  the  inflam- 
mation. The  contents  of  the  intestines  are  mucous 
and  flaky,  sometimes  mixed  with  blood. 

Treatment. — The  preventive  treatment  consists  in 
bettering  the  hygenic  conditions  in  the  hog  lot,  and 
avoiding  poisonous  and  irritating  slops.  The  same 
measures  of  prevention  recommended  in  acute  and 
chronic  indigestion  are  indicated  in  this  disease. 

The  hog  should  be  given  clean,  comfortable  quar- 
ters. If  vomiting  has  not  occurred  early  in  the  at- 
tack, the  offensive  material  should  be  gotten  rid  of 
by  giving  an  emetic  of  ipecacuanha  (twenty  or  thirty 
grains  in  a  little  water).  Sulphate  of  zinc  (ten  to 
fifteen  grains),  can  be  used  in  the  same  way  as  the 
ipecacuanha,  and  is  a  useful  emetic  in  hogs.  This  can 


l6  DISEASES     OF      SWINE 

be  followed  by  a  physic  of  calomel  (ten  to  thirty 
grains),  or  castor  oil.  To  relieve  the  pain,  a  teaspoon- 
ful  of  tincture  of  opium  in  about  the  same  quantity 
of  linseed  oil  can  be  given,  and  repeated,  if  neces- 
sary, every  three  or  four  hours  until  relieved.  In 
addition  to  the  physic,  rectal  injections  of  warm, 
soapy  water  may  be  necessary.  When  diarrhoea  oc- 
curs, it  should  be  treated  promptly.  Nitrate  of  bis- 
muth in  half-dram  doses,  three  times  daily,  suppli- 
mented  in  bad  cases  by  tincture  of  opium,  will  us- 
ually check  it. 

As  a  counter-irritant,  oil  of  turpentine  can  be  ap- 
plied to  the  walls  of  the  abdomen  and  covered  up 
until  the  skin  is  irritated  and  reddened. 

The  best  diet  for  the  animal  is  thin,  well-cooked 
gruel.  This  should  be  fed  until  the  hog  is  able  to 
digest  heavier  food. 

POISONING 

Meat  brine  and  washing  powders  are  the  most 
common  causes  of  poisoning  in  hogs.  There  are  a 
number  of  other  irritating  and  poisonous  substances 
and  drugs  that  sometimes  find  their  way  into  the  food 
and  are  eaten  by  hogs.  A  few  of  the  more  important 
poisons  will  be  discussed  under  their  separate  heads. 
No  great  loss  from  this  source  occurs. 

Poisoning  from  Meat  Brine. — Brine  from  meat 
barrels  and  fish  kegs  is  sometimes  emptied  into  the 
swill,  or  in  some  place  where  the  hogs  can  get  to  it 
When  eaten,  it  causes  an  intense  inflammation  of  the 
stomach  and  intestines.     Hogs  do  not  eat  too  much 


DISEASES    OF   THE    DIGESTIVE    ORGANS  1 7 

or  too  freely  of  salt  if  they  have  access  to  it  at  all 
times,  but  the  meaty  taste  of  the  brine  or  some  other 
peculiarity  adds  to  their  desire  for  it. 

The  symptoms  come  on  soon  after  the  hog  has 
eaten  the  brine.  The  hog  is  restless  at  first,  and  runs 
from  one  place  to  another,  lies  down  and  gets  up 
again,  stamps  the  feet  and  squeals.  Convulsions  oc- 
cur, during  which  the  hog  throws  itself  around  vio- 
lently and  froths  at  the  mouth.  The  pain  is  severe. 
As  death  approaches,  the  intervals  between  the  con- 
vulsions become  shorter.  A^omiting  is  a  common 
symptom.  In  the  latter  stages  a  marked  stupor 
comes  on,  and  the  hind  parts  are  usually  paralyzed. 
If  the  hog  lives  a  few  days,  a  watery  diarrhoea 
occurs. 

The  treatment  consists  in  giving  an  emetic  as 
early  in  the  attack  as  possible.  If  this  is  done 
promptly,  and  the  hog  gets  rid  of  the  poison  by 
vomiting,  the  animal  will  be  but  little  inconvenienced. 
Ten  or  fifteen  grains  of  sulphate  of  zinc  in  a  little 
warm  water  is  a  very  useful  emetic.  Plenty  of  drink- 
ing water  should  be  allowed,  and  to  relieve  the  irri- 
tation to  the  stomach  and  intestines,  oils  or  flaxseed 
tea  should  be  given.  Stimulants  are  indicated  if  the 
hog  acts  stupid.  To  quiet  the  pain,  a  teaspoonful  of 
tincture  of  opium  may  be  given  at  short  intervals. 

Poisoning  from  Washing  Powders. — Poisoning 
from  washing  powders  occurs  when  wash  waters  are 
emptied  in  with  the  kitchen  slops. 

The  symptoms  are  dulness,  loss  of  appetite,  moder- 
ate high  temperature,  tenderness  on  pressing  the  ab- 


l8  DISEASES     OF      SWINE 

dominal  walls  with  the  hands,  diarrhoea,  vomiting, 
lameness,  nervous  disturbances,  and  a  partial  paraly- 
sis. In  some  cases  the  symptoms  and  course .  of  the 
disease  resemble  that  of  *'  hog  cholera." 

Ihe  treatment  is  mostly  preventive,  and  consists 
in  avoiding  the  feeding  of  slops  containing  washing 
powders.  If  this  form  of  poisoning  is  suspected  or 
recognized,  vinegar  should  be  given  in  the  early  part 
of  the  attack,  in  order  to  neutralize  the  alkaline 
substances. 

Poisoning  from  Feeding  Cottonseed. — Fatal  re- 
sults may  follow  the  feeding  of  cottonseed  to  hogs, 
whether  given  ground,  boiled,  or  as  droppings  from 
cattle.  However,  poisoning  is  less  apt  to  occur  under 
the  latter  condition  than  in  any  other  way. 

The  evil  effects  of  the  cottonseed  may  not  be 
noticed  for  several  weeks  after  the  hogs  have  begun 
eating  it.  The  symptoms  are  as  follows:  Dulness, 
staggering  gait,  labored  breathing,  spasmodic  in 
character,  and  usually  called  ''  thumps,"  loss  of  sight, 
restlessness,  walking  in  a  circle,  running  into  ob- 
structions, lying  down  on  the  belly,  and,  finally,  sud- 
den exhaustion  and  death.  In  the  majority  of  cases 
the  hogs  are  found  dead  in  their  beds,  or  in  the  yard, 
ten  or  twelve  hours  after  they  have  apparently  been 
in  the  best  of  health. 

The  only  treatment  that  can  be  recommended  is 
preventive,  and  consists  in  avoiding  cottonseed  as  a 
feed  for  hogs  for  more  than  two  weeks  at  a  time, 
unless  it  is  in  the  droppings  from  cattle. 

Poisoning    from    Eating    Ergot. — Hogs    may    be 


DISEASES    OF    THE    DIGESTIVE    ORGANS  19 

poisoned  by  eating  screenings  from  the  thresher  or 
elevator  that  contain  ergot.  It  may  possibly  be  pro- 
duced on  pasture,  particularly  rye  pasture,  in  years 
favorable  for  the  growth  of  this  fungus.  Ergot 
grows  mostly  on  the  heads  of  rye,  especially  wild  rye. 

The  symptoms  are  a  stiff,  lame  gait,  like  in  rheu- 
matism, swollen,  tender  joints  and  feet,  and  gan- 
grene of  different  parts  of  the  body.  The  extremi- 
ties, especially  the  tail  and  ears,  lose  their  natural 
warmth  and  vitality,  and  deep  red  spots  that  be- 
come black  and  dead  looking  form  on  the  skin.  A 
part  of  the  ears  and  tail  finally  cracks  and  drops  off, 
and  the  gangrenous  tissue  in  other  parts  of  the  body 
separates  from  the  healthy  part  and  drops  out.  The 
mouth  may  also  appear  sore,  the  eyes  swollen,  and 
the  appetite  interfered  with. 

The  treatment  consists  in  examining  into  the  char- 
acter of  the  ration  as  soon  as  the  symptoms  manifest 
themselves,  and  cut  off  that  portion  containing  the 
ergot.  Hogs  affected  by  ergot  poisoning  during  the 
cold  weather  should  be  given  warm  quarters,  as  this 
prevents  to  some  extent  the  sloughing  of  the  extrem- 
ities. Iodide  of  potassium  can  be  given  in  ten  or 
fifteen  grain  doses  in  the  slop  twice  a  day. 

EFFECT  OF  EATING  WHEAT  AND  BARLEY 
BEARDS 

Hogs  sometimes  die  when  turned  on  wheat  and 
barley  stubble,  and  around  straw  stacks.  In  some 
cases  the  disease  is  a  severe  sore  mouth,  in  others  it 


20  DISEASES      OF      SWIXE 

is  a  general  intestinal  disturbance,  or  sore  throat 
accompanied  by  loud  and  difficult  "breathing.  The 
symptoms  vary  a  great  deal  in  this  disease. 

Lesions. — On  examining  the  hog  after  death  the 
beards  are  found  in  the  mouth,  stomach,  throat,  and 
larnyx.  The  beards  penetrate  the  lining  membranes 
of  these  organs,  irritating  and  inflaming  them.  Some- 
times they  form  a  roll  or  ball,  and  work  down  beside 
the  tongue,  usually  toward  its  base,  or  they  may  pass 
on  and  become  lodged  in  the  air  passages  and  stom- 
ach. The  character  of  the  inflammation  depends 
largely  on  the  length  of  time  the  beards  have  been 
lodged  in  the  part. 

Treatment. — When  possible,  the  beards  lodged  in 
the  mouth  and  throat  should  be  removed.  If  in  the 
air  passages  and  stomach,  they  cannot  be  removed 
and  the  animal  will  die  of  suffocation  or  an  inflam- 
mation of  the  parts.  After  removing  the  irritation 
from  the  mouth,  the  hog  should  be  given  treatment 
for  sore  mouth. 

DIARRHCEA    IN  YOUNG  PIGS— SCOURS 

Causes. — Scours  in  pigs  is  frequently  caused  with- 
in the  first  few  days  after  birth  by  the  feverish  con- 
dition of  the  mother  aflfecting  the  character  of  the 
milk.  Fermentive  foods,  slops,  moldy  corn,  etc.,  when 
fed  to  the  mother,  may  cause  her  to  give  poisonous 
or  toxic  milk.  Chilly,  damp  weather,  getting  out  in 
the  wet  grass  when  too  young,  bringing  the  pigs 
up  by  hand,  or  with  another  sow,  are  frequent  causes. 
Young  pigs,   when   kept   in   damp,   dark,   dirty   pen? 


DISEASES    OF    THE    DIGESTIVE    ORGANS  21 

are  more  apt  to  have  scours  than  when  kept  in  clean 
pens  and  allowed  plenty  .of  exercise,  pure  air,  and 
sunshine.  Some  outbreaks  seem  to  be  of  an  infec- 
tious character,  as  is  the  case  in  lambs  and  calves. 

Symptoms. — The  symptoms  may  set  in  so  soon 
after  birth  that  the  pig  is  seemingly  born  with  the 
affection.  When  the  disease  does  not  come  on  until 
the  pig  is  a  few  days  or  a  few  weeks  old,  the  scours 
are  generally  preceded  by  constipation. 

The  symptoms  are  fluid  evacuations,  grayish  in  col- 
or, and  possessing  a  disagreeable  odor.  These  be- 
come more  watery  as  the  disease  progresses,  and  the 
tail  and  hind  parts  become  soiled  with  the  discharges. 
At  the  beginning  the  appetite  may  be  good,  but  it  is 
gradually  lost,  and  the  pig  becomes  dull  and  weak. 
The  back  is  arched,  the  hair  rough,  and  there  is  an 
indisposition  to  move  about. 

When  the  symptoms  set  in  soon  after  birth  the 
disease  is  more  fatal,  and  a  larger  per  cent,  die  than 
when  the  pigs  are  a  week  or  so  old. 

Treatment. — As  scours  in  pigs  is  a  disease  largely 
due  to  a  faulty  diet  and  unhygenic  conditions,  the 
preventive  treatment  is  of  more  importance  and  gives 
better  results  than  the  medicinal. 

At  the  time  of  farrowing  the  sow  should  be  fed  a 
light  diet  and  the  pen  kept  clean  and  dry.  The  pigs 
should  be  allowed  plenty  of  exercise,  pure  air,  and 
sunshine.  If  the  mother  appears  feverish,  she  should 
be  given  a  physic  of  castor  oil  (two  or  three  ounces). 
Sour  swill  and  mouldy  feed  should  not  be  fed. 

To  check  the  scours  in  the  pigs,  two  or  three  tea- 


22  DISEASES      OF      SWINE 

Spoonfuls  of  tincture  of  opium  should  be  given  the 
mother,  or  a  few  drops  placed  on  the  pigs'  tongues. 
This  should  be  repeated  as  often  as  necessary.  In 
some  cases  the  pigs  should  be  given  a  physic  in  order 
to  get  rid  of  the  irritation,  but  this  part  of  the  treat- 
ment is  usually  unnecessary. 

DIARRHCEA— DYSENTERY 

Diarrhoea  is  a  common  symptom  of  many  dis- 
eases of  the  digestive  tract.  The  immediate  cause  is 
an  irritated  condition  of  the  mucous  membrane  lining 
the  intestines  and  a  profuse  secretion  from  the  in- 
testinal glands. 

Causes. — Among  the  common  causes  of  diarrhoea 
can  be  mentioned  irritating  feeds,  sudden  changes  in 
the  feed,  especially  to  green  rye  and  corn,  irritation 
from  intestinal  worms,  imperfect  mastication  of  the 
food,  and  its  imperfect  preparation  for  digestion, 
eating  more  food  than  the  digestive  organs  can  well 
digest,  a  debilitated  condition,  and  irritation  from 
undigested  food. 

Treatment. — The  preventive  treatment  consists  in 
avoiding  such  conditions  as  may  cause  the  disease. 
When  diarrhoea  occurs  as  a  symptom  of  some  other 
ailment,  this  must  first  be  treated,  and  the  cause  re- 
moved. 

The  hog  should  be  given  a  light  diet,  or  all  food 
withheld  for  a  short  time,  and  the  intestines  relieved 
of  the  irritation  by  giving  a  physic  of  castor  oil  or 
calomel.  This  should  be  followed  by  tincture  of 
opium    (one    to    two    teaspoonfuls),    prepared    chalk 


DISEASES    OF    THE    DIGESTIVE    ORGANS  23 

(one-half  to  one  tablespoon ful),  or  nitrate  of  bis- 
muth (one  teaspoonful).  When  any  one  of  these 
drugs  is  used  the  dose  should  be  repeated  as  often  as 
necessary,  usually  three  times  a  day.  The  following 
preparation  is  very  useful:  bismuth  subnitrate  (one- 
quarter  ounce),  salol  (one-quarter  ounce),  and  bi- 
carbonate of  soda  (one-half  ounce)  ;  mix,  and  give 
a  small  teaspoonful  in  a  milk  drench  three  times  a 
day.  The  animal  should  be  kept  quiet,  and  given 
comfortable  quarters. 

CONSTIPATION 

Constipation  consists  in  an  undue  retention  of  the 
feces,  and  their  becoming  hard  and  dry.  It  may  pre- 
cede a  diarrhoea,  because  of  the  dry  and  inflamed 
condition  of  the  intestines.  It  may  also  occur  as  a 
symptom  of  other  intestinal  diseases. 

Symptoms. — The  droppings  are  dry  looking,  and 
may  be  more  or  less  covered  with  mucus.  A  promi- 
nent symptom  is  the  straining  attempts  to  defecate. 
The  appetite  is  impaired,  the  hog  acts  dull  and  stands 
with  the  head  down,  or  goes  off  by  itself,  hunts  a 
quiet  place,  and  lies  down.  Colicky  pains  are  some- 
times manifested.  Eversion  of  the  rectum  may  occur, 
especially  if  the  animal  has  eaten  freely  of  dry  food. 

Constipation  occurring  from  other  causes  than  a 
complication  of  disease  seldom  takes  on  a  serious 
form. 

Treatment. — When  the  animal  becomes  consti- 
pated, all  dry  food  should  be  withheld,  a  sloppy  diet 
fed,  and  plenty  of  drinking  water  allowed.     In  some 


24  DISEASES      OF      SWINE 

cases  it  is  well  to  exercise  the  hog.  A  physic  of 
castor  or  linseed  oil  should  be  given,  but  overdosing 
with  physics  should  be  avoided.  The  action  of  the 
oil  should  be  assisted  by  rectal  injection  of  warm 
soapy  water.  This  line  of  treatment  must  be  per- 
sisted in,  until  the  constipated  condition  is   relieved. 

INFLAMMATION    OF  THE   PERITONEUM— PERI- 
TONITIS 

V  Jft  Causes. — This  is  not  a  common  disease  of  hogs, 
5*  "S^^s  the  lining  membrane  of  the  abdominal  cavity  is 
"^    ^    less  succeptible  to  irritation  from  germs  than  that  of 

Jv      most  other  animals.     Peritonitis  usually  occurs  as  a 

C&*        result  of  an  inflammation  of  the  intestines,  or  womb, 

•         and  is  more  often  met  with  in  the  female  than  in  the 


male,  because  of  the  difference  in  the  development  of 
the  generative  organs.  Other  causes  are  injuries  to 
the  abdominal  walls  and  exposure  to  cold. 

Symptoms. — As  peritonitis  does  not  usually  occur 
as  a  distinct  and  separate  disease,  but  secondarily,  the 
symptoms  are  usually  overshadowed  by  the  original 
disease.  The  abdominal  walls  are  held  tense,  the 
breathing  is  carried  on  mainly  by  the  ribs,  the  pulse 
is  quick  and  small,  and  the  body  temperature  is 
higher  than  normal.  The  hog  acts  dull  and  depressed, 
refuses  to  eat,  or  eats  but  sparingly,  and  the  abdomi- 
nal pain  may  be  severe.  Diarrhoea  sometimes  occurs. 
When  the  inflammation  is  in  the  region  of  the  urinary 
organs,  urine  is  passed  in  small  quantities  and  at  fre- 
quent intervals.     The  animal  moves  slowly  and  takes 


DISEASES  OF  THE  DIGESTIVE  ORGANS 


25 


short  steps,  and  shows  a  great  deal  of  stiffness  and 
soreness  when  moving  about. 

Peritonitis  usually  terminates  in  death.  In  some 
cases  it  takes  on  the  chronic  form.  When  this  oc- 
curs the  hog  becomes  very  unthrifty  and  weak,  and 
after  a  time  may  die.  It  is  in  mild  cases  only  that 
recovery  occurs. 

Treatment.— The  preventive  precautions  consist  in 


FIG.    I— A    BADLY    CARED    FOR    WOUND    IN    THE    ABDOMINAL    WALL 

observing  strict  antiseptic  precautions  and  cleanli- 
ness in  such  operations  as  spaying  and  castrating,  and 
when  assisting  in  a  difficult  birth.  Wounds  in  the 
region  of  the  abdomen  should  be  dressed  daily  with 
disinfectants    and    kept   clean. 

As  early  in  the  attack  as   possible  a  cathartic  of 
Epsom  salts   (three  or  four  ounces),  or  calomel   (ten 


20  DISEASES     OF      SWINE 

to  fifteen  grains)  should  be  given.  To  clean  out  the 
posterior  bowel,  rectal  injections  may  be  used.  When 
hot  water  fomentations  are  applied  to  the  abdominal 
walls,  they  should  be  kept  up  for  several  days.  The 
pain  can  be  relieved  by  giving  tincture  of  opium  in 
teaspoonful  doses  every  three  or  four  hours. 

It  is  best  to  feed  a  sloppy,  light  diet,  and  give  the 
animal  comfortable  quarters  away  from  the  herd. 


DISEASES  OF  THE  LIVER 

JAUNDICE— YELLOWS 

This  is  not  a  disease  in  itself,  but  rather  a  symp- 
tom of  disease.  It  is  difficult  to  recognize  liver  dis- 
eases in  hogs,  and  quite  impossible  to  differentiate  one 
from  another.  For  this  reason,  it  is  more  convenient 
to  discuss  liver  diseases  under  the  head  of  jaundice. 

Causes. — Gall-stones  are  occasionally  found  in 
hogs,  and  resemble  fine  sand  in  appearance.  They 
may  be  found  as  large  as  peas.  The  cause  of  gall- 
stones are  lack  of  exercise,  overfeeding,  concentra- 
tion of  the  bile  and  its  becoming  infected  by  bac- 
teria. 

Liver  flukes  and  intestinal  worms  may  obstruct  the 
bile  duct  as  they  pass  along  it.  The  former  para- 
site is  seldom  the  cause  of  liver  diseases  in  this  coun- 
try, but  the  common  round  worm  is  a  frequent 
cause  of  irritation  and  inflammation  of  the  bile  duct. 

Inflammation  of  the  bile  duct  may  occur  as  a  com- 
plication of  indigestion  or  a  catarrhal  inflammation  of 
the  small  intestine.  The  main  causes,  however,  are 
overfeeding,  lack  of  exercise,  and  decomposed  foods. 

Inflammation  of  the  liver  is  frequently  met  with 
in  germ  diseases,  and  as  a  complication  of  indiges- 
tion. Certain  micro-organisms  entering  the  digestive 
tract  along  with  the  food  and  finding  their  way  to  the 

27 


28 


DISEASES      OF      SWINE 


liver  may  cause  it  to  become  inflamed.  The  charac- 
ter of  the  circulation  in  the  gland  is  favorable  for 
this  sort  of  infection. 

Symptoms. — Any    condition    raising    the    pressure 
in  the  bile  ducts,  or  lowering  the  blood  pressure  in 


i 

yy- 

^JH^S^^^^^E-'" 

^<M^' 

^p 

^  ; 

FIG.    2— TAPEWORM    OR    HYDATED   CYSTS    IN   THE   LIVER   TISSUE 


the  liver,  may  cause  the  bile  to  be  taken  up  by  the 
blood.  When  this  occurs,  the  bile  pigments  are  de- 
posited in  different  parts  of  the  body  staining  the 
tissues  a  yellowish  color.     This  is  quite  noticeable  in 


DISEASES   OF  THE  LIVER 


29 


the  areolar  tissue  just  beneath  the  skin  and  in  the  fat, 
a  condition  sometimes  met  with  in  apparently  healthy 
hogs  killed  in  the  abattoir.  A  staining  of  the  white 
of  the  eye,  lining  membrane  of  the  eyelids,  and  the 
skin  cannot  be  observed  in  hogs  as  readily  as  in 
some  animals.  When  it  does  occur  it  is  an  impor- 
tant help  in  the  diagnosis. 


^^^^ 

,^PB^^-5^V=  '^^^'^  i^ 

?W^^E'''*^«i'W^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^I^^^B 

^^'^f,H'?*./. ;  _  ^.  ^:%%. 

I^^^^^^^^^^^H' 

I^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^H 

^^^IBI^HBHr 

^v>                                     »»-" 

,  ♦.  ."^^^I^^Bk 

^'           '^^^^^ 

^H^^^^^^^^» 

"-^^^-^'j^^^l^B 

H^;;-^-|^ppa|P 

P^i;                                  ''    A^'-' 

^^■^'vTr*^ 

w,..,,^-,.. 

FIG.     3 — A     SECTION     OF     LIVER     TISSUE     PIGMENTED     BY     BILE 

When  the  icteric  condition  occurs  as  a  symptom  or 
complication  of  another  disease,  the  hog  will  also 
show  symptoms  of  the  original  disease.  These  may 
be  symptoms  of  acute  or  chronic  indigestion,  liver 
flukes,  intestinal  worms,  gall-stones,  etc. 

The  coloring  matter  from  the  bile  may  be  present 
in  the  urine  and  greatly  disturb  the  function  of  the 
kidneys.     Constipation  usually  occurs,  and  the  feces 


30  DISEASES     OF     SWINE 

have  a  more  disagreeable  odor  than  normal,  because 
of  the  decomposition  of  the  fats  and  other  elements 
in  the  food.  The  animal  usually  acts  dull  and  de- 
pressed. 

Treatment. — When  the  jaundice  occurs  as  a  sepa- 
rate disease  of  the  liver,  and  not  as  a  complication, 
it  may  be  relieved  by  giving  the  hog  a  chance  to  take 
exercise,  and  by  feeding  a  light  ration.  It  is  also 
advisable  to  give  a  physic  of  Epsom  salts,  or  calomel, 
and  repeat  the  dose  daily  for  a  few  days. 

As  jaundice  is  usually  caused  by  indigestion,  in- 
testinal worms,  etc.,  these  causes  must  be  removed 
before  we  can  correct  the  disease. 


DISEASES  OF  THE  URINARY  ORGANS 

CONGESTION  AND  INFLAMMATION 
OF  THE   KIDNEYS 

Causes. — Congestion  and  inflammation  of  the 
kidneys,  as  a  result  of  an  injury,  is  not  uncommon 
in  hogs.  Blows  and  kicks  in  the  region  of  the  back, 
or  injuries  resulting  from  the  drove  piling  up,  are 
among  the  common  causes.  Exposure  and  wet,  cold 
quarters,  as  in  other  domestic  animals,  are  frequent 
causes,  but  such  irritating  drugs  as  turpentine  and 
cantharides,  when  applied  to  the  skin  or  ^iven  in- 
ternally, are  not  as  important  causes. 

Kidney  diseases  are  commonly  due  to  germs  and 
their  poisonous  products,  and  these  organs  frequently 
become  involved  in  blood  poisoning  and  such  infec- 
tious diseases  as  hog  cholera  and  swine  plague. 

Synnptoms. — The  symptoms  are  so  hidden  that  it 
is  difficult  to  recognize  the  disease  in  the  majority 
of  cases. 

The  hog  may  show  a  disposition  to  lie  down  most 
of  the  tinie,  and  when  it  moves  about  the  gait  is  apt 
to  be  stiff  and  straddling.  Other  symptoms  of  pain 
are  sometimes  manifested,  and  the  appetite  is  usually 
irregular.  The  urine  is  passed  in  small  quantities  and 
at  short  intervals,  is  more  highly  colored  than  normal, 
and  may  be  tinged  with  blood. 

In  well-developed  cases  the  body  temperature  is 
-       -  31 


32  DISEASES     OF      SWINE 

higher  than  normal,  the  respirations  and  pulse-beats 
are  quickened,  and  the  urine  scant  and  highly  col- 
ored. The  hog's  back  may  be  sensitive  to  pressure, 
but  this  is  not  usually  manifested.  When  the  hog 
stands,  the  loins  are  arched  and  held  stiffly,  and  the 
hind  feet  are  placed  well  under  the  body. 

In  the  latter  stages  of  the  disease,  when  the  symp- 
toms are  severe,  the  urinary  products  accumulate  in 
the  system,  and  what  is  known  as  uremic  poisoning 
occurs.  Marked  depression  and  convulsions  are  the 
symptoms  seen  in  such  cases. 

Chronic  inflammation  of  the  kidneys  may  develop 
very  slowly  without  giving  rise  to  any  noticeable 
symptom  or  symptoms,  until  the  changes  in  the  kid- 
ney struGfture  become  so  advanced  that  they  cannot 
perform  their  function,  and  death  finally  occurs  from 
uremic  poisoning,  or  heart-failure. 

In  the  chronic  form  the  symptoms  are  somewhat 
different  from  those  of  the  acute.  The  urine  is  clear 
in  color  and  secreted  in  large  quantities.  The  hog  is 
stupid,  sluggish,  and  unthrifty,  and  finally  becomes 
very  weak.  Faulty  and  weak  heart  action  is  also 
a  prominent  symptom. 

Lesions. — The  structural  changes  in  the  kidneys 
vary.  They  may  be  of  the  normal  size,  or  much 
larger  than  normal.  They  may  also  appear  pale,  or 
deep  red  in  color.  Sometimes,  they  are  marked  with 
red  spots,  and  the  kidney  capsule  can  be  detached  with 
great  ease.  On  sectioning  a  kidney,  a  thick  urine 
may  be  found  in  the  pelvis  and  some  fluid  under  the 
capsule. 


DISEASES  OF  THE  URINARY  ORGANS  33 

In  chronic  cases  of  long  standing  the  connective 
tissue  may  become  greatly  increased,  and  the  kidney 
shrunken  and  small. 

Tubercular  lesions  are  sometimes  found. 

Very  large  cystic  kidneys  containing  cavities  filled 
with  pus  or  urine  are  occasionally  found. 

Treatment. — The  preventive  measures  consist  in 
avoiding,  if  possible,  such  conditions  as  may  cause 
the  disease. 


FIG.    4 — A    DISEASED    KIDNEY    SHOWING    RED    OR    PETECHIAL    SPOTS 

The  medicinal  treatment  consists  in  the  use  of  hot 
applications  to  the  back,  just  over  the  region  of  the 
kidneyS)  and  the  administration  of  small  doses  of 
castor  oil  daily.  This  is  necessary  in  order  to 
eliminate  all  of  the  waste  products  possible  by  way  of 
the  intestinal  tract,  and  relieve,  as  much  as  possible, 
the  work  of  the  kidneys.  It  may  be  necessary  in 
some  cases  to  give  heart  tonics. 


34  DISEASES     OF      SWINE 

The  best  results  come  from  a  diet  of  sloppy,  muci- 
laginous food,  good  care,  and  careful  nursing.  Dur- 
ing convalesence  bitter  and  saline  tonics  should  be 
given,  the  same  as  recommended  in  indigestion. 

INFLAMMATION    OF    THE    BLADDER— CYSTITIS 

Causes. — A  common  cause  of  inflammation  of  the 
bladder  is  the  retention  of  the  urine  and  its  becoming 
infected  with  germs.  Under  such  conditions  the 
urine  undergoes  fermentive  changes,  ammonia  is  set 
free,  and  the  lining  membrane  of  the  bladder  becomes 
irritated  and  inflamed.  Irritation  from  stone  in  the 
bladder  (cystic  calculus)  may  also  cause  it.  Some- 
times it  occurs  as  a  result  of  a  severe  inflammation  in 
a  neighboring  part  and  its  extending  to  the  bladder. 
Drenching  the  animal  with  irritating  drugs,  such  as 
turpentine,  may  irritate  the  bladder,  as  well  as  other 
parts  of  the  urinary  organs. 

Symptoms. — The  most  prominent  symptom  is  the 
passing  of  urine  at  frequent  intervals  and  in  small 
quantities.  Because  of  the  irritated  condition  of  the 
nerves  going  to  the  part  the  penis  may  become 
erected  in  the  boar.  When  the  animal  moves  about, 
the  soreness  is  shown  by  the  stiff,  straddling  gait. 
The  appetite  may  be  poor,  and  the  body  temperature 
higher  than  normal.  In  severe  cases  the  urine  may 
contain  clots  of  blood. 

Unless  the  disease  is  neglected  in  the  early  stages 
and  the  inflammation  is  severe,  recovery  occurs  in  a 
few  days. 


FIG.     5 — A     LARGE     DISEASED     KIDNEY 


36  DISEASES     OF     SWINE 

Treatment. — If  the  cause  of  the  disease  is  known, 
it  should  be  removed.  Drugs  that  irritate  the  urinary- 
organs  should  not  be  used  carelessly.  Retention  of. 
the  urine  should  receive  prompt  attention  and,  if 
possible,  relieved. 

The  medical  treatment  consists  in  drenching  the 
annual  with  such  drugs  as  have  an  antiseptic  effect 
on  the  urine  or  prevent  germs  from  developing  in  it. 
Chlorate  of  potassium  can  be  given  in  from  fifteen  to 
thirty  grain  doses,  or  salol  in  from  ten  to  fifteen 
grain  doses,  twice  daily.  A  sloppy  diet  is  indicated. 
Care  should  be  taken  that  the  hog  does  not  suffer 
from  exposure  or  become  chilled  when  in  this  condi- 
tion. In  cases  of  long  standing,  bitter  tonics  should 
be  given. 

RETENTION  OF  THE  URINE 

Causes. — Retention  of  the  urine  may  be  due  to  a 
variety  of  conditions,  such  as  a  spasm  of  the  neck 
of  the  bladder,  paralysis,  urethral  and  cystic  calculi, 
(stones  in  the  canal  leading  from  the  bladder  and  in 
this  organ),  injuries  and  inflammation  of  the  urethra, 
mflammation  and  abscesses  in  the  region  of  the 
sheath,  and  pressure  on  the  urethra  by  tumors,  etc. 

Symptoms. — There  may  be  an  absolute  retention 
of  the  urine,  or  it  may  come  away  from  the  over- 
distended  bladder  drop  by  drop.  The  animal  makes 
unsuccessful  efforts  to  urinate,  and  shows  symptoms 
of  abdominal  pain.  The  hog  is  depressed  and  the 
appetite  impaired.  In  case  the  cause  of  the  retention 
cannot  be  removed  and  completely  obstructs  the  pas- 


DISEASES  OF  THE  URINARY  ORGANS  37 

sage  of  the  urine,  the  symptoms  soon  assume  a  se- 
rious character,  the  bladcjer  finally  becoming  so  dis- 
tended with  urine  that  it  is  ruptured.  Death  occurs 
from  peritonitis  or  uremic  poisoning. 

Treatment. — In  spasm  of  the  neck  of  the  bladde 
the  hog  should  be  given  a  quiet,  comfortable  pen.  If 
the  urine  is  not  passed  in  a  short  time,  to  give  fur- 
ther relief  a  sedative  (tincture  of  opium  one  tea- 
spoonful,  or  bromide  of  potassium  half  a  teaspoonful) 
should  be  given.  A  warm  water  rectal  injection  in 
itself  may  prove  sufficient  to  relieve  the  spasm. 

Inflammation  and  abscesses  in  the  region  of  the 
sheath  should  receive  the  proper  surgical  treatment 
(see  Treatment  of  Inflammation  of  the  Prepuce). 
Pressure  on  the  urethra  by  a  tumor  can  be  relieved 
in  some  cases  by  an  operation  for  its  removal. 


DISEASES  OF  THE  SPLEEN 


INFLAMMATION  OF  THE  SPLEEN— SPLENITIS 

Intiammation  of  the  spleen  is  frequently  men- 
tioned in  old  works  on  veterinary  medicine,  and  an 
elaborate  line  of  symptoms  is  given  in  connection 
with  the  disease. 

Most  of  the  observations  on  this  disease  have 
been  made  on  post-mortem  examinations  of  ani- 
mals. It  is  not  uncommon  to  find  the  spleen  in- 
flamed in  infectious  diseases.  Outside  of  its  occur- 
rence in  this  class  of  disease  it  is  of  little  impor- 
tance. 

STRUCTURAL   DISEASES   OF  THE   SPLEEN 

Hypertrophy,  atrophy,  and  rupture  of  the  spleen 
in  hogs  is  recognized  only  on  making  a  post-mor- 
tem examination.  The  latter  condition  may  arise 
from  an  injury.  Splenic  hypertrophy  is  frequently 
associated  with  high  feeding  and  infectious  diseases. 
Tumors  of  the  spleen  may  also  cause  it  to  become 
larger  than  normal.  These  different  structural 
changes  may  occur  as  a  result  of  an  inflammation 
extending  from  a  neighboring  part. 


38 


DISEASES  OF    THE  RESPIRATORY  TRACT 

COLD  IN  THE  HEAD— NASAL  CATARRH 

Causes. — Exposure  to  cold,  especially  if  the  ani- 
mal is  in  an  overheated  condition  or  the  body  wet 
with  snow  and  rain,  is  the  most  common  cause  of 
a  simple  cold.  Hogs  kept  in  crowded  pens,  or  al- 
lowed to  sleep  around  straw  stacks  and  manure 
heaps,  are  very  apt  to  suffer  as  a  result  of  becom- 
ing overheated  and  chilled,  or  from  irritation  to  the 
air  passages  by  the  noxious  gases  and  dust  formed 
under  such  conditions.  This  is  especially  true  dur- 
ing the  cold  weather,  when  a  large  number  of  hogs 
are  allowed  to  sleep  in  the  same  quarters. 

Symptoms. — The  hog  acts  dull  and  feverish,  and 
the  eyes  appear  red  and  watery.  During  the  first 
or  dry  stage  of  the  inflammation,  which  lasts  for  a 
short  time,  the  animal  sneezes  frequently.  This 
may  be  followed  by  a  thin,  watery  discharge  from 
both  nostrils.  Later  the  discharge  may  become 
heavier  and  pus-like,  and  white  or  yellowish  in 
color.  If  this  continues  for  some  time,  the  mucous 
membrane  lining  the  nose  is  thickened  and  changed 
in  appearance,  and  may  become  ulcerated. 

Severe  outbreaks  of  nasal  catarrh  are  known  as 
malignant  catarrh.  The  disease  does  not  run  a  well- 
defined  course,  and  the  inflammation  may  extend 

39 


40  DISEASES     OF      SWINE 

to  Other  parts  of  the  air  passages — throat,  bronchial 
tubes,  etc. 

Treatment. — The  preventive  treatment  is  very 
important,  and  consists  in  avoiding  the  overcrowd- 
ing of  pens,  especially  during  the  cold  weather,  ex- 
posure, and  allowing  the  pens  to  become  dusty  and 
dirty.  Hogs  should  not  be  allowed  to  sleep  around 
Straw  Stacks  and  manure  heaps. 

In  the  simple  form  of  the  disease  medicinal  treat- 
ment is  usually  unnecessary.  The  hog  should  be 
given  dry,  comfortable  quarters,  and  fed  warm 
slops  for  a  few  days.  It  is  usually  best  to  give  the 
animal  a  physic  of  castor-oil.  In  addition  to  this 
treatment,  in  severe  cases  the  animal  should  be 
steamed.  A  vessel  containing  a  one-half  per  cent, 
solution  of  turpentine,  or  some  of  the  tar  disin- 
fectants, in  boiling  hot  water  can  be  held  under  the 
hog's  snout,  and  the  animal  allowed  to  inhale  the 
steam  for  about  fifteen  minutes,  twice  daily.  It  is 
also  well  to  disinfect  the  pens  and  sleeping-quarters. 

SORE  THROAT— PHARYNGO-LARYNGITIS 

The  causes  and  symptoms  of  inflammation  of  the 
pharynx  and  larynx  in  the  hog  are  very  much  the 
same.  This  is  also  true  of  tonsilitis,  and,  usually, 
all  of  these  parts  are  inflamed  at  the  same  time  and 
can  be  discussed  conveniently  under  the  head  of 
sore  throat. 

Causes. — Sore  throat  frequently  occurs  as  a  com- 
plication of  a  cold  in  the  head.  In  adition  to  the 
causes    mentioned    in    connection    with    this    latter 


DISEASES  OF  THE  RESPIRATORY  TRACT  4I 

disease  can  be  given  wallpwing  in  cold  springs  and 
creeks  when  the  body  is  in  an  overheated  condition, 
being  deprived  of  water  and  slop  during  a  warm, 
dry  spell,  close,  filthy  pens,  debility,  septic  germs 
entering  the  mouth  and  throat  along  with  the  food, 
and  the  germs  of  hog  cholera  and  swine  plague. 
Filthy  pens  often  contribute  to  the  infection  of  the 
throat  with  septic  germs,  and  the  formation  of  ab- 
cesses  and  ulcers  on  the  lining  membrane. 

Symptoms. — There  is  more  or  less  fever,  the  eyes 
are  red  and  watery,  and  the  animal  is  dull  and  lies 
around  the  pen  most  of  the  time.  The  appetite  is 
poor,  and  because  of  the  pain  and  difficulty  in 
swallowing,  the  hog  may  refuse  food.  The  pain  in 
the  troat  is  sometimes  severe,  and  causes  the  ani- 
mal to  move  about  in  a  restless  manner. 

The  character  of  the  cough  depends  on  the  parts 
inflamed.  When  the  larynx  is  involved,  the  cough 
is  usually  hoarse  and  the  breathing  noisy  and  la- 
bored, as  the  glottis  is  more  or  less  closed  by  the 
inflammation.  At  other  times  it  is  dry,  and  when 
the  hog  moves  about,  or  the  parts  are  irritated  by 
dust,  cold  air,  etc.,  a  coughing  spell  usually  comes 
on.     The  throat  may  appear  swollen. 

In  germ  infection  from  the  feed  and  filth,  and  in 
infectuous  diseases  (swine  plague,  hog  cholera,  etc.), 
false  membranes  may  form,  or  the  mucous  mem- 
brane lining  the  part  becomes  gangrenous  and  ul- 
cerated. In  such  cases  the  disease  usually  devel- 
ops rapidly,  and  the  air  passages  become  closed 
within  a  few  hours  by  the  swelling  and  membranes. 


42  DISEASES     OF     SWINE 

Sometimes,  it  is  the  local  ulceration  and  the  general 
diseased  condition  that  causes  death. 

Simple  sore  throat  is  not  a  serious  affection,  and 
lasts  but  a  short  time.  The  symptoms  may  be  so 
mild  as  to  escape  observation.  However,  if  the 
conditions  are  favorable,  it  may  recur  and  assume 
a  severe  form  or  become  chronic. 

Treatment. — The  preventive  measures  for  sore 
throat  are  the  same  as  recommended  for  cold  in  the 
head.  It  is  very  important,  when  the  disease  is 
caused  by  germ  infection,  to  clean  and  disinfect  the 
hog  houses  and  pens.  The  sick  animals  should  be 
separated  from  the  well,  in  order  to  prevent  the 
disease  from  spreading.  The  character  of  the  food 
supply  should  also  be  considered,  and,  if  faulty, 
corrected. 

It  is  best  to  feed  the  sick  animals  a  sloppy  diet 
in  order  to  avoid  irritating  the  throat,  and  it  should 
be  fed  warm  during  the  cold  weather.  Mild  lini- 
ments can  be  rubbed  on  the  throat  daily.  After 
the  acute  part  of  the  inflammation  has  passed,  blis- 
ters may  be  used  instead.  Powdered  caritharides 
(one  part),  and  vaseline  (eight  parts)  make  a  very 
effective  blistering  ointment,  especially  in  such 
cases  as  show  a  tendency  to  become  chronic. 

The  internal  treatment  consists  in  swabbing  the 
throat  with  an  antiseptic  wash,  and  giving  the 
animal  an  electuria  to  help  relieve  the  irritated 
membranes.  An  electuary  made  of  syrup  (three 
ounces)  and  tincture  of  aconite  (two  drams)  can 
be  given  in  teaspoonful  or  tablespoonful  doses  three 
times  a  day. 


DISEASES  OF  THE  RESPIRATORY  TRACT  43 

Before  swabbing  out  the  throat  it  is  necessary 
to  confine  the  hog  by  placing  a  noose  around  the 
upper  jaw.  The  handle  of  the  swab  should  be  of 
wire,  so  that  the  animal  cannot  bite  it  in  two.  A 
wash  of  silver  nitrate  (one  part),  and  water  (one 
hundred  parts),  or  permanginate  of  potassium  (two 
parts),  and  water  (one  hundred  parts)   can  be  used. 

When  the  throat  becomes  ulcerated  and  gan- 
grenous, treatment  is  of  little  use. 

INFLAMMATION   OF  THE  BRONCHIAL  TUBES- 
BRONCHITIS 

Inflammation  of  the  lining  membrane  of  the 
bronchial  tubes  may  be  either  acute  or  chronic. 
The  chronic  form  is  the  more  common.  There  ar^ 
other  forms  of  the  disease,  as  croupous,  capillary, 
etc.,  that  are  classed  according  to  the  character  of 
the  inflammatory  lesions,  but  it  is  more  convenient 
to  discuss  bronchitis  under  the  head  of  acute  or 
chronic. 

Causes. — Pigs  are  more  subject  to  this  disease 
than  older  animals.  The  most  common  cause  is 
irritation  from  dust  and  lung  worms.  The  irrita- 
tion caused  by  inhaling  dust  may  be  due  to  other 
than  mechanical  causes,  as  disease  producing  germs 
capable  of  causing  an  inflammation  of  a  serious 
nature  may  be  carried  into  the  air  passages  along 
with  the  dust. 

Allowing  hogs  to  sleep  around  old  straw  stacks, 
manure  heaps,  and  in  overcrowded  filthy  pens,  or 
poorly   ventilated   sleeping-quarters,   can   be   especial- 


44  DISEASES      OF      SWINE 

ly  mentioned  as  causes  of  -  this  disease.  Under 
these  conditions  the  air  which  the  animals  breathe 
becomes  charged  with  the  irritating  gases  from  the 
bodies  of  the  hogs  and  the  surrounding  filth,  as  well 
as  from  the  air  given  off  from  the  lungs.  Fumes 
from  irritating  drugs  may  also  cause  it,  and  it  may 
develop  as  the  result  of  a  severe  cold. 

Symptoms. — In  the  acute  form  the  first  symptom 
noticed  is  a  feverish  condition  and  a  loss  of  appe- 
tite. The  hog  is  depressed,  the  respirations  are 
quickened,  and  the  irritated  condition  of  the  lining 
membrane  of  the  air  passages  causes  the  hog  to 
cough.  Little  or  no  discharge  from  th  i  nostrils 
occurs,  unless  the  bronchitis  develops  froi  i  a  severe 
cold.  These  acute  symptoms  do  not  last  xiiore  than 
a  day  or  two,  and,  outside  of  a  cough,  the  animal 
appears  well.  Pigs  are  especially  prone  to  coughing 
spells,  during  which  mucus  is  coughed  up  and 
drops  from  the  mouth.  These  attacks  usually  occur 
on  leaving  the  bed  and  on  exercising,  and  when 
the  air  passages  are  irritated  by  dust. 

Acute  bronchitis  does  not  run  a  definite  course, 
and  if  the  exciting  causes  are  kept  up,  may  ter- 
minate in  the  chronic  form  or  an  inflammation  of 
the  lungs.  In  the  chronic  form  unthriftiness  and  a 
cough  are  the  most  prominent  symptoms.  Pigs 
seldom  die  of  this  affection. 

Treatment. — The  .treatment  is  largely  preventive, 
and  consists  in  avoiding  such  conditions  as  may 
lead  to  an  irritation  and  inflammation  of  the  air 
passages.     The  hog   should   be   given   clean,   com- 


DISEASES  OF  THE  RESPIRATORY  TRACT  45 

fortable  quarters  and  a  light  ration.  During  the 
early  stages  of  the  disease,  steaming  the  animal  two 
or  three  times  a  day  may  give  relief.  This  part  of 
the  treatment  is  the  same  as  recommended  in  a 
catarrhal  cold. 

In  chronic  bronchitis  good  care  and  nourishing 
feed  will  enable  the  animal  to  outgrow  the  disease. 
Such  complications  as  sore  throat  and  pneumonia 
should   receive   the  necessary   treatment. 

INFLAMMATION   OF   THE   LUNGS— PNEUMONIA 

Acute  congestion  and  inflammation  of  the  spongy 
tissue  of  the  lungs  is  met  with  in  hogs,  the  same  as 
in  other  farm  animals.  Inflammation  of  a  part  or 
a  few  lobules  of  the  lungs  is  frequently  met  with 
when  lung  worms  are  present. 

Causes. — Fat,  plethoric  hogs,  because  of  their 
condition,  are  especially  predisposed  to  pneumonia. 
The  exciting  causes  are  very  much  the  same  as  in 
the  dififerent  diseases  of  the  air  passages,  and  it  is 
not  uncommon  for  the  inflammation  to  extend  from 
these  parts  to  the  lungs.  However,  there  are  a 
number  of  causes  in  adition  to  those  already  men- 
tioned. It  frequently  occurs  when  hogs  accus- 
tomed to  warm,  comfortable  quarters  are  changed 
to  cold,  draughty  pens,  or  shipped  some  distance 
in  open  stock  cars  during  the  cold  weather.  In 
fact,  any  sudden  chilling  of  the  body  is  a  common 
cause  of  lung  disorders.  Giving  fat  hogs  too  much 
exercise,  when  they  are  not  accustomed  to  it,  is  a 
frequent   cause  of  engorgement   and   inflammation 


46  DISEASES     OF      SWINE 

of  the  lungs.  This  may  occur  when  they  are  chased 
by  dogs  and  boys,  or  when  driven  to  a  distant 
market  at  too  rapid  a  pace.  Exercise  during  the 
hot  summer  months  is  apt  to  cause  congestion  of 
the  lung  tissue  as  well  as  heat-stroke.  Washing 
or  diping  hogs  during  the  cold  weather  may  chill 
the  body  and  result  in  disease. 

Symptoms. — Pneumonia  following  as  a  result  of 
a  bad  cold  is  preceded  by  the  symptoms  of  the 
primary  disease.  If  due  to  severe  exercise,  the 
animal  appears  greatly  exhausted  and  the  conges- 
tion of  the  lungs  is  marked.  Death  may  occur  in 
this  stage  of  the  disease. 

Inflammation  of  the  lungs  usually  begins  with  a 
chill,  and  is  followed  by  a  high  fever.  The  hog  lies 
down  most  of  the  time,  hiding  under  the  litter,  and 
may  eat  nothing  or  but  very  little.  The  respira- 
tions are  hurried  at  first,  but  when  the  lungs  be- 
come badly  involved  they  are  also  labored.  The 
character  of  the  pulse-beats  vary,  depending  on  the 
extent  of  the  inflammation  and  the  stage  of  the 
disease.  In  most  cases  it  is  full  and  quick  during 
the  early  stages,  but  later,  as  the  condition  of  the 
animal  improves,  more  nearly  normal.  A  very 
weak  pulse  is  present  in  severe  and  fatal  pneu- 
monias. 

The  visible  mucous  membranes  have  a  red,  con- 
gested appearance,  and  there  may  be  a  slight  dis- 
charge from  the  nostrils.  The  expression  of  the 
face  is  anxious  and  distressed  in  severe  cases,  and 
rigors  and  chilling  of  the  body  occur. 


DISEASES  OF  THE  RESPIRATORY  TRACT  47 

The  respiratory  sounds  become  more  or  less 
changed  from  the  normal.  The  cough  is  at  first 
deep  and  dry,  later  more  loose  and  moist.  It  may 
be  accompanied  by  a  hemorrhage  during  the  first 
stage  of  the  disease.  Other  respiratory  sounds  are 
revealed  by  placing  the  ear  to  the  side  of  the  chest 
wall  and  listening  to  the  sounds  in  the  lungs  (aus- 
cultation). This  cannot  be  practiced  in  fat  or  rest- 
less hogs  with  satisfaction,  as  the  chest  walls  are 
so  thick  that  the  lung  sounds  are  deadened,  or  the 
noise  made  by  the  animal  hides  the  respiratory 
murmurs. 

In  the  very  early  stages  of  pneumonia  a  crepi- 
tating or  crackHng  sound  can  be  heard  in  the  dis- 
eased parts  and  louder  sounds  than  normal  in  the 
healthy  areas.  Later,  when  the  engorgment  of  the 
lung  tissue  occurs  and  the  air  cells  become  filled  by 
the  inflamamtory  exudates,  the  respiratory  sounds 
are  deadened.  On  returning  to  the  normal,  rattling 
sounds  occur.  These  symptoms  help  greatly  in 
determining  the  animal's  condition  and  in  watching 
the  progress  of  the  disease. 

The  chances  for  recovery  depend  on  the  extent 
and  acuteness  of  the  inflammation.  Careless  hand- 
ling, exercise,  etc.,  lessen  the  chance  for  a  favorable 
termination  in  this  disease,  and  good  nursing  helps 
more  in  bringing  about  a  recovery  than  the  medic- 
inal treatment.  The  prognosis  is  more  unfavor- 
able in  fat  than  in  lean  hogs,  as  the  inflammation  is 
usually  more  severe  in  the  former.  The  course  of 
the  disease  is  from  one  to  three  weeks,  and  it  may 


48  DISEASES     OF      SWINE 

become  chronic  if  the  irritation  is  kept  up.  In  such 
cases  unthriftiness  is  a  prominent  symptom. 

The  above  symptoms  are  not  seen  in  all  cases 
of  pneumonia.  In  bronchial  and  lung  worm  dis- 
eases, a  small  part  of  the  lung  tissue  may  be  in- 
volved, and  the  symptoms  resemble  these  diseases 
more  than  they  do  pneumonia. 

Lesions. — The  character  of  the  lesions  differ  in 
the  different  cases.  If  death  occurs  within  a  few 
days  after  coming  down  with  the  disease,  a  large 
part  of  the  lungs  may  appear  solid  and  liver-like 
in  color  and  consistency  (hepatization).  Later  a 
part  becomes  lighter  in  color  (gray  hepatization). 
This  marks  the  beginning  of  the  degenerative 
changes  of  the  inflammatory  exudates  and  the  re- 
turn to  the  normal.  On  cutting  into  the  tissue  that 
has  reached  this  stage,  a  purulent  or  fatty-looking 
fluid  may  exude  from  the  cut  surface.  A  part  may 
have  reached  a  later  stage,  that  of  resolution,  and 
the  absorption  of  the  inflammatory  exudates  begun. 
Suppurative  changes  in  the  lung  tissue  may  also 
occur. 

In  lobular  pneumonia  the  lesions  vary  more  than 
in  the  form  just  described.  The  bronchial  tubes 
may  be  plugged  with  mucus  and  inflammatory  ex- 
udates, and  the  lining  membrane  inflamed.  Small 
areas  of  lung  tissue  undergoing  different  stages  of  in- 
flammation are  seen  scattered  through  the  lung, 
with  here  and  there  dark  colored,  depressed  por- 
tions in  which  the  air  cells  have  collapsed  (atelec- 
tasis).    Some    lobules    may   appear    bulging  and 


DISEASES  OF  THE   RESPIRATORY  TRACT  49 

lighter  in  color  than  normal  (emphysema).  Sup- 
purative centers  may  also  be  observed. 

Treatment. — The  preventive  treatment  in  pneu- 
monia must  not  be  overlooked.  Briefly,  it  consists 
in  avoiding  such  conditions  as  may  predispose  the 
animal  to  the  disease,  or  act  in  any  v^ay  as  an  ex- 
citing cause. 

Careful  nursing  is  a  very  important  part  of  the 
treatment.  The  hog  should  be  given  a  comfort- 
able, well-ventilated  pen,  and  kept  as  quiet  as 
possible.  To  keep  the  bowels  from  becoming  con- 
stipated, one  or  two  ounces  of  castor-oil  should  be 
given  daily,  if  necessary,  and  a  light,  sloppy  diet 
fed.  In  severe  cold  weather,  the  animal  must  be 
kept  from  chilling  and  taking  more  cold  b}^  cover- 
ing it  with  a  blanket  or  using  artificial  heat.  As 
one  attack  predisposes  the  hog  to  a  second,  it 
should  be  protected  from  severe  cold,  or  the  other  ex- 
treme, heat,  for  a  few  weeks  after  making  a  com- 
plete recovery. 

As  a  counter-irritant  to  the  sides  of  the  chest  the 
following  liniment  can  be  used :  oil  of  turpentine 
(ten  parts)  and  croton-oil  (one  part).  If  the  heart 
action  is  w^eak,  from  five  to  ten  drops  of  tincture 
of  digitalis  should  be  given  every  few  hours.-  Dur- 
ing the  convalescent  period  alcoholic  stimulants 
can  be  used  if  necessary. 

INFLAMMATION  OF  THE  PLEURA— PLEURISY 

Pleurisy  is  an  inflammation  of  the  serous  mem- 
brane   lining  the   chest    cavity   and    covering  the 


50  DISEASES     OF      SWINE 

lungs.  ]\Iany  of  the  causes  of  pleurisy  are  the  same 
as  in  pneumonia.  Because  of  this  and  the  intimate 
relation  of  the  pleura  to  the  lung  tissue,  both  of 
these  diseases  frequently  occur  at  the  same  time. 
Pleurisy  may  be  either  acute  or  chronic. 

Causes. — The  most  common  cause  is  a  sudden 
chilling  of  the  body.  Cold,  damp,  chilly  weather 
and  damp,  chilly,  draughty  pens  are  favorable  con- 
ditions for  chilling  of  the  body  to  occur  and  the 
rheumatic  form  of  pleurisy.  Germs  may  also  cause 
it.  It  is  commonly  met  with  in  such  specific  dis- 
eases as  hog  cholera,  swine  plague,  and  tubercu- 
losis. 

Symptoms. — Chilling  and  a  high  fever  are  among 
the  first  symptoms  of  pleurisy.  The  hog  refuses 
to  eat  and  acts  dull.  Pain  is  a  prominent  symptom, 
and  when  the  sides  of  the  chest  are  pressed  on  with 
the  hands,  the  hog  will  flinch — sometimes  grunt  and 
squeal.  This  is  very  noticeable  during  the  early 
stage  of  the  inflammation,  and  may  cause  the  ani- 
mal to  act  restless.  The  breathing  is  always  char- 
acteristic. The  ribs  are  held  rigid,  and  the  respira- 
tory movement  is  mostly  in  the  muscles  of  the 
flank,  the  hog  getting  its  breath  in  a  short,  jerky 
manner.  Later,  when  fluid  collects  in  the  chest 
cavity,  the  breathing  is  more  labored,  and  all  of 
the  respiratory  muscles  are  used.  On  the  absorp- 
tion of  this  exudate  the  movement  may  again  be- 
come jerky  in  case  the  inflammation  becomes 
chronic.  The  character  of  the  pulse-beats  vary,  and 
in  some  cases  are  very  weak. 


DISEASES  OF  THE  RESPIRATORY  TRACT  5 1 

In  the  early  part  of  the  disease  friction  sounds, 
caused  by  the  dry,  inflamed  membranes  rubbing 
against  each  other,  are  heard  on  placing  the  ear 
against  the  chest  walls.  Later  the  collection  of 
fluid  around  the  lungs  may  deaden  all  lung  sounds 
toward  the  lower  part  of  the  chest.  In  this  stage 
of  the  inflammation,  if  the  fluid  forms  in  large 
amounts,  the  respirations  become  very  labored. 

The  symptoms  are  mild  if  the  pleurisy  is  local- 
ized— that  is,  only  a  part  of  the  membrane  inflamed. 
A  lameness  in  both  front  limbs  and  stiffness  in 
moving  about  are  the  most  noticeable  symptoms  in 
this  form  of  the  disease. 

In  chronic  pleurisy  the  hog  is  usually  very  weak 
and  depressed.  It  is  frequently  seen  lying  on  its 
side,  and  unable  to  get  up  and  walk  about.  The 
inflammation  may  extend  to  the  heart  and  its  cov- 
erings, and  the  symptoms  of  these  diseases  are 
manifested. 

The  course  of  acute  pleurisy  is  one  or  two  weeks. 
The  chronic  form  may  run  a  course  of  several 
weeks.     The  prognosis  is  very  unfavorable. 

Lesions. — The  serous  membrane  is  thickened 
and  inflamed.  Its  surface  is  roughened  and  cov- 
ered with  membranous  growths  and  fibrous  bands 
that  attach  the  lungs  to  the  chest  walls.  The  lat- 
ter condition  is  a  constant  lesion  in  old,  chronic 
inflammations.  In  the  exudative  form  of  the  dis- 
ease (hydrothorax)  more  or  less  fluid  is  present  in 
the  chest  cavity.  This  may  be  yellowish  or  reddish 
in   color   and   hold   in    suspension   fibrous    flakes    or 


52  DISEASES      OF      SWINE 

clots,  which  may  remain  for  some  time  after  the 
fluid  is  absorbed.  In  case  the  fluid  becomes  in- 
fected with  pus  germs  it  loses  the  appearance  of 
a  serous  fluid,  becoming  heavier  and  .pus-like. 

Treatment. — Preventive  treatment  is  about  the 
same  and  of  like  importance  as  in  other  respiratory 
diseases. 

Good  care  at  the  beginning  of  an  attack  of  pleurisy 
tends  to  prevent  its  becoming  serious  by  checking 
the  inflammatory  changes.  The  hog  should  be 
given  a  warm,  clean  place,  and  made  as  comfortable 
as  possible.  In  warm  quarters,  and  when  the  ani- 
mal is  quiet,  warm  packs  can  be  applied  to  the 
sides  of  the  chest  and  the  body  covered  with  a 
blanket. 

The  medicinal  treatment  does  not  differ  greatly 
from  that  recommended  in  pneumonia.  It  is  best 
to  give  the  hog  a  physic  early  in  the  attack  and 
feed  a  sloppy  diet  in  order  to  keep  the  bowels  lax. 
It  is  advisable  to  give  the  animal  a  teaspoonful  of 
syrup  of  squills  and  five  drops  of  tincture  of  aconite 
every  few  hours  for  the  purpose  of  relieving  the 
inflammation  and  pain,  which  is  usually  very 
marked  in  the  early  stages.  The  same  blistering 
liniment,  as  prescribed  for  pneumonia,  can  be  ap- 
plied to  the  chest  walls.  The  following  febrifuge 
can  be  given  every  few  hours :  sulphate  of  quinine 
(fifteen  grains)  and  nitrate  of  potassium  (ten  grains). 
As  soon  as  the  fever  leaves  the  patient,  this  part 
of  the  treatment  should  be  discontinued.  The  use 
of  tonics  and  nourishing  feeds  make  up  the  neces- 
sary treatment  during  convalescence. 


DISEASES  OF  THE  HEART 


^  HEART  DISEASES  IN  GENERAL 

Diseases  of  the  heart  are  not  uncommon  In  hogs. 
Inflammation  of  the  Hning  membrane  (endocarditis), 
and  the  covering  of  the  heart  (pericarditis),  and  the 
heart  itself  (myocarditis)  are  sometimes  met  with  in 
such  diseases  as  pleurisy,  rheumatism,  hog  cholera, 
and  swine  plague. 

Symptoms. — These  are  usually  overshadowed  by 
the  original  ailment.  Palpitation  of  the  heart  may 
occur.  The  pulse  is  usually  small,  quick,  and  ir- 
regular, the  body  temperature  much  higher  than 
normal,  and  the  hog  depressed  and  restless  because 
of  the  severe  pain  and  the  serious  character  of  the 
disease.     This  line  of  ailments  usually  ends  in  death. 

Treatment. — The  treatment  of  acute  heart-dis- 
eases is  very  unsatisfactory.  About  all  that  can  be 
done  is  to  keep  the  animal  quiet  and  relieve  the 
pain.  Ten  to  twenty  drops  of  tincture  of  opium 
can  be  given  every  few  hours.  To  regulate  the 
heart-beats,  twenty  to  thirty  drops  of  tincture  of 
digitalis  should  be  given  at  frequent  intervals 
Blisters  and  blistering  liniment  may  be  applied 
to  the  walls  of  the  chest  just  over  the  region  of  the 
heart.  This  latter  treatment  is  usually  followed  b\ 
good  results. 


54  DISEASES     OF      SWINE 

When  acute  heart-diseases  occur  as  a  complica- 
tion of  some  other  disease,  the  treatment  should  be 
directed  at  the  primary  ailment  and  the  above  used 
in  addition  to  it. 

FATTY  DEGENERATION  OF  THE  HEART 

Causes. — Fatty  degeneration  of  the  heart  is 
brought  on  by  overfeeding  and  lack  of  exercise.  Fat 
accumulates  in  masses  around  the  heart  and  in  the 
muscular  tissue,  replacing  to  some  extent  the  latter, 
and  the  ability  of  this  organ  to  do  the  required  work 
is   either  hindered   or  destroyed. 

Symptoms. — :The  animal  is  generally  very  fat  and 
unfit  for  any  kind  of  exercise,  and  may  die  suddenly 
if  this  is  attempted.  About  the  only  symptoms 
noticeable  are  difficult  breathing  and  irregular,  weak 
heart  action.     Palpitation  may  also  occur. 

Treatment. — The  treatment  is  wholly  preventive, 
and  consists  in  avoiding  such  conditions  as  may 
cause  the  disease.  To  sustain  the  heart  action, 
heart  tonics  and  stimulants,  such  as  nitroglycerin, 
digatalin,  and  digitalis  can  be  used.  The  fatty  con- 
dition of  the  body  should  be  reduced  by  dieting  the 
animal 

SPASM    OF    THE    DIAPHRAM— THUMPS— PALPI- 
TATION 

True  palpitation  is  a  convulsive,  violent  beating  of 
the  heart,  often  not  connected  with  any  structural  dis- 
ease of  the  organ.  It  sets  in  suddenly,  the  heart  sounds 
are  louder  than  normal,  and  the  shock  of  the  beats 


DISEASES    OF    THE    HEART  55 

quite  noticeable.  The  pulse-beats  are  quickened  and 
somewhat  irregular,  and  the  animal  may  appear  rest- 
less and  anxious.  Excitement  and  exercise  some- 
times cause  this  condition,  or  it  may  occur  in  con- 
nection with  some  digestive  disorder  and  a  spasm  of 
the  diaphragm.  It  may  also  occur  in  acute  heart 
disorders. 

Spasm  of  the  diaphram  is  quite  common  in  pigs. 
It  is  due  to  an  irritated  condition  of  the  nerves  (phren- 
ic) going  to  the  diaphragm.  Digestive  disorders, 
especially  overloading  of  the  stomach,  and  lack  of 
exercise  are  the  main  causes.  It  is  not  uncommon 
for  a  large  number  of  pigs  in  the  same  litter  or  in 
the  same  pen,  when  too  closely  confined,  to  have 
thumps. 

Symptoms. — The  most  prominent  symptom  oc- 
curring in  thumps  is  a  sudden  jerking  movement  of 
the  flank.  This  is  very  noticeable  when  the  pig  is 
standing  quiet,  and  may  be  of  such  force  as  to 
move  the  body  backward  and  forward.  The  shock 
of  the  contraction  of  the  diaphram  is  accompanied 
by  a  sound  in  some  cases.  The  spasmodic  contrac- 
tions do  not  occur  regularly,  but  irregularly,  and 
are  much  more  frequent  at  times  when  the  stomach 
is  full  than  when  it  is  empty. 

The  digestive  diseases,  as  well  as  the  thumps,  in- 
terfere with  the  growth  and  thriftiness,  and  the 
pig  becomes  more  or  less  stunted.  Sometimes  they 
lose  flesh  quite  rapidly  and  become  quite  thin. 

The  course  of  the  disease  is  from  a  few  days  to 
several  weeks. 


56  DISEASES      OF      SWINE 

Treatment. — The  preventive  treatment  of  thumps 
in  young  pigs  is  good  care  and  plenty  of  exercise. 
Exercise  alone  will  generally  effect  a  cure. 

When  the  disease  develops  in  a  litter  of  pigs,  they 
should  be  turned  on  pastu^^e  and  given  plenty  of 
opportunity  to  run  about.  If  this  cannot  be  done, 
they  should  be  exercised  m  some  other  way,  as 
placing  them  in  a  pen  or  be  x  away  from  the  mother. 
To  relieve  the  spasms,  tincture  of  opium  can  be 
given  in  from  three  to  fifteen  drop  doses  three  times 
a  day.  A  small  dose  of  castor-oil  should  also  be 
given  in  order  to  prevent  constipation.  The  indiges- 
tion should  be  treated  by  regulating  the  diet  and 
giving  a  course  of  bitter  tonics,  if  necessary. 


DISESASES  OF  THE  NERVOUS  SYSTEM 


CONGESTION  AND  INFLAMMATION  OF  THE 
BRAIN 

In  congestion  and  inflammation  of  the  brain  in 
hogs,  both  the  brain  and  its  coverings  are  involved 
in  most  cases,  and  for  this  reason  it  is  unnecessary 
to  attempt  any  division  or  classification  of  these 
diseases  in  a  work  of  this  kind. 

Causes. — Fat,  plethoric  hogs  are  predisposed  to 
this  class  of  disease.  The  exciting  causes  are  sun- 
stroke, severe  exercise,  tumors  and  parasites  press- 
ing on  the  nerve  tissue,  blows  on  the  head,  and  dia- 
tetic  causes.  Certain  feeds  containing  poisonous 
substances,  when  eaten  in  large  quantities,  may 
lead  to  brain  disorders.  Eating  feeds  containing 
molds  and  bacterial  ferments,  or  poisons,  some- 
times cause  it.  The  feeding  of  large  quantities  of 
food  rich  in  albumenoids  is  especially  harmful. 

Another  cause  is  unhealthy  surroundings,  such 
as  poorly  ventilated,  filthy  quarters.  Inflammation 
of  the  brain  may  also  occur  in  some  infectious  diseases. 

Symptoms. — The  symptoms  usually  come  on  sud- 
denly. The  hog  may  show  symptoms  of  excitement, 
irritability,  sensitiveness,  drowsiness,  etc.,  depending 
on  the  general  condition  of  the  animal  and  the  di- 
rect cause  of  the  disturbance.     The  disease  may  be 

57 


58  DISEASES      OF      SWINE 

ushered  in  by  a  period  of  dulness,  but  in  most  cases 
the  hog  appears  excited  from  the  first.  During  the 
period  of  excitement  or  dehrium  it  champs  its 
teeth,  froths  at  the  mouth,  walks  or  runs  about  the 
pen,  generally  in  a  circle  and  without  showing  much 
ability  to  dodge  objects  coming  its  way.  It  squeals 
and  grunts,  "tries  to  climb  up  the  sides  of  the  pen, 
presses  its  head  against  the  wall  or  fence,  and  finally 
falls  over  in  a  convulsion.  In  a  short  time  it  may  regain 
its  feet,  or  continue  lying  on  the  ground  in  a  stupor, 
which  finally  ends  in  death.  In  heat-stroke  sudden 
collapse,  staggering  gait,  convulsions,  and  uncon- 
sciousness are  the  usual  symptoms. 

In  moderate  congestion  of  the  brain,  the  duration 
of  the  disease  is  short  and  a  complete  recovery  may 
occur.  When  the  congestion  is  severe,  it  usually 
terminates  in  an  inflammation  of  the  brain,  sometimes 
death.  The  outcome  of  the  latter  disease  is  un- 
favorable, and  in  most  cases  runs  a  short  course. 

Lesions. — The  coverings  of  the  brain  are  con- 
gested and  inflamed,  appearing  thickened  and  red- 
dened. If  the  inflammation  is  caused  by  a  blow  on 
the  head,  the  skin  and  other  tissues  in  the  region 
of  the  injury  show  the  eflfect  of  the  blow,  and  the 
coverings  are  especially  apt  to  show  marked  local 
lesions. 

A  portion  of  the  gray  matter  of  the  brain,  depend- 
ing on  the  extent  of  the  inflammation,  is  darker 
colored  than  normal  and  stained  with  blood.  Small 
red  areas  may  be  seen  scattered  through  the  nerve 
tissue,  and  the  whole  structure  is  more  or  less  soft- 


DISEASES  OF  THE   NERVOUS   SYSTEM  59 

ened.  Bloody  or  straw  colored  liquid  may  collect 
in  the  cavities  of  the  brain  and  between  its  mem- 
branes. Infection  of  this  fluid  with  pus  germs  is  a 
condition  sometimes  met  with. 

Treatment. — Preventive  treatment  consists  in 
avoiding,  as  far  as  possible,  such  conditions  as  may 
cause  the  disease. 

The  success  of  the  treatment  depends  largely 
on  being  prompt  in  the  use  of  such  curative 
measures  as  are  available.  It  is  very  necessary  that 
the  hog  be  given  a  quiet,  cool  place,  where  it  can- 
not be  disturbed  by  other  animals.  Bleeding  will 
greatly  relieve  the  congestion  or  inflammation,  if 
practiced  in  the  early  part  of  the  attack.  Cold  ap- 
plications to  the  head  are  of  some  value  in  re- 
lieving the  blood  pressure  in  the  part.  It  is  ad- 
visable to  give  a  large  dose  of  Epsom  salts  and 
follow  this  up  with  small  doses  of  castor-oil  daily. 
When  the  animal  becomes  paralyzed,  iodide  of 
potassium  (twenty  grains)  and  tincture  of  nux 
vomica  (fifteen  drops)  should  be  given  in  a  small 
amount  of  water  three  times  a  day. 

BLIND  STAGGERS— VERTIGO 

Blind  staggers  is  usually  associated  with  diseases 
of  the  brain,  such  as  anemia,  congestion,  tumors,  and 
parasites  (cysticerci),  especially  the  latter.  It  may 
occur  as  a  symptom  of  chronic  indigestion,  as  a  re- 
sult of  reflex  irritation  to  the  brain. 

Symptoms. — These  are  attacks  of  blindness,  jerk- 
ing upward  of  the  head,  turning  in  a  circle,  or  ro- 


6o  DISEASES      UE      SWINE 

tating  on  the  long  axis  of  the  body,  running  straight 
ahead  and  falling  on  the  side,  or  rolling  over  and 
over.  When  caused  by  the  cysticercus,  the  hog 
turns  to  the  side  on  which  the  parasite  lies,  and  the 
attacks  are  apt  to  occur  at  any  time. 

Treatment. — As  vertigo  is  practically  a  symptom 
of  disease,  the  treatment  used  is  the  same  as  given 
in  the  discussion  of  such  diseases  as  it  may  be 
associated  with.  A  sloppy  diet  should  be  fed.  In 
cases  where  the  attacks  occur  at  intervals,  it  is  best 
to  destroy  the  animal  and  not  attempt  treatment. 
Hogs  affected  in  this  way  become  very  unthrifty. 

EPILEPSY— FITS 

This  disease  is  characterized  by  sudden  loss  of 
consciousness,  convulsive  movements,  etc.  In  the 
intervals  between  the  attacks  the  hog  may  appear  in 
good  health. 

Causes. — Epilepsy  is  due  to  lesions  in  the  spinal 
cord  and  brain.  These  may  result  from  injury  to 
the  above  organs.  In  some  cases  it  is  no  doubt  a 
hereditary  disease  and  transmitted  from  the  parent 
to  the  offspring.  Inbreeding  is  cited  as  a  cause  by 
some  writers.  Intestinal  worms  are  probably  the 
most  common  cause  of  spasms  in  young  pigs,  the 
irritation  to  the  intestines  acting  reflexly  on  the  brain. 
It  may  occur  at  the  time  the  animal  is  cutting  its 
teeth. 

Symptoms. — The  pig  may  be  restless  just  before 
the  attack  comes  on.  The  convulsive  movements 
generally  begin  in  the  muscles  of  the  head  and  ex- 


DISEASES  OF  THE   NERVOUS  SYSTEM  6l 

tremities.  A  jerking  of  the  muscles  of  the  face, 
champing  of  the  jaws,  and  an  unsteady  gait  are 
noticed  at  first.  Suddenly  the  pig  falls,  consciousness 
is  lost,  the  limbs  are  extended,  and  the  seat  of  con- 
vulsive movements,  the  head  is  thrown  back,  saliva 
runs  from  the  mouth,  and  urine  is  passed.  Be- 
cause of  the  muscles  of  respiration  being  involved, 
the  animal  has  great  difficulty  in  breathing. 

In  mild  cases  the  spasms  are  feeble,  and  may 
cease  in  a  short  time.  The  attack  usually  lasts  but  a 
few  minutes.  The  pig  may  act  dull  and  sick  for 
several  days,  and  there  is  some  danger  of  it  dying 
during  an  attack.  In  true  epilepsy  the  spasms  occur 
periodically,  and  the  pig  usually  becomes  unthrifty 
and  stunted. 

Treatment. — The  attack  may  be  stopped  by  throw- 
ing cold  water  on  the  animal's  head,  or,  better,  by 
immersing  its  body  in  warm  water.  The  latter  can 
be  easily  practiced  in  pigs.  A  cathartic  of  castor-oil 
should  be  given,  and  the  pig  kept  as  quiet  as  pos- 
sible. Until  the  stupor  has  completely  passed,  it  is 
advisable  to  give  from  half  a  dram  to  a  dram  of 
bromide  of  potassium  in  the  feed,  or  drench  twice  a 
day. 

SUNSTROKE  OR  HEAT  STROKE 

Hogs,  especially  fat  hogs,  when  driven  or  exer- 
cised on  a  very  hot  day,  and  when  hauled  or 
shipped  to  market  during  the  warm  weather,  are 
very  apt  to  become  affected  with  the  heat.  This  is 
due  to  their  condition,  the  crowded  quarters,  and  the 
lack  of  protection   from  the  sun.     When   hogs   are 


62  DISEASES      OF      SWINE 

kept  in  close  quarters,  the  accumulation  of  heat  is 
especially  marked  on  a  hot  day.  They  may  also 
suffer  severely  from  the  sun  when  kept  in  pastures 
and  yards  unprovided  with  shade. 

Symptoms. — The  principal  symptoms  are  fatigue, 
drooping  of  the  ears,  staggering  gait,  sudden  col- 
lapse, unconsciousness,  and  death.  Convulsions  may 
occur,  and  death  generally  follows  in  a  short  time. 
In  all  cases  the  pulse  is  very  weak,  and  the  body 
temperature  is  much  higher  than  normal. 

Treatment. — The  preventive  treatment  consists  in 
not  handling  hogs  unaccustomed  to  exercise  and 
excitement,  especially  when  fat,  in  summer-time 
during  the  hottest  part  of  the  day.  During  the  hot 
months  hogs  should  be  provided  with  the  necessary 
protection  from  the  sun's  rays. 

When  shipping  hogs  in  cars,  wetting  them  fre- 
quently with  water  helps  to  keep  them  cool  and 
prevent  heat  stroke. 

A  hog  suffering  from  sun  or  heat  stroke  should 
be  moved  to  a  shady  place,  and  cold  water  poured 
on  the  head  and  neck,  but  not  on  the  rest  of  the 
body.  As  a  stimulent,  alcohol  (one  teaspoonful) 
and  tincture  of  nux  vomica  (from  half  to  one  tea- 
spoonful)  can  be  given  every  three  or  four  hours. 

PARALYSIS  OF  THE  POSTERIOR  PART  OF  THE 
BODY 

Causes. — Paralysis  of  the  hind  parts  is  frequently 
met  with  in  growing  hogs.  It  is  due  to  a  variety  of 
conditions.     Dr.   Alexander   states  that  it  occurs   in 


DISEASES    OF   THE    NERVOUS    SYSTEM  63 

rhachitis,  when  the  thigh-bones  become  fractured, 
and  is  caused  by  feeding  a  ration  deficient  in  mineral 
matter.  It  is  frequently  caused  by  small  centers  of 
inflammation  in  the  spinal  cord  resulting  from  disease 
or  an  injury  to  the  back,  pressure  on  the  cord  from 
tumors,  or  an  over-fat  condition,  and  the  encysting  of 
parasites  in  this  part  of  the  nervous  system.  It  is 
not  uncommon  for  hogs  that  have  been  shipped  in 
cars  and  crates  to  be  affected  in  this  way.  Loss  of 
control  over  the  movement  of  the  hind  parts  and 
other  nervous  disturbances  sometimes  occur  in  sows 
that  are  nursing  a  litter  of  pigs  and  are  run  down  in 
condition.  Injuries  caused  by  the  hogs  piling  on  one 
another,  indigestion,  and  constipation  are  said  to 
cause  this  disease. 

Symptoms. — The  paralysis  may  come  on  grad- 
ually, and  nearly  always  involves  both  hind  limbs.  In 
case  the  disease  develops  slowly,  the  first  symptoms 
noticed  is  an  unsteady  gait,  the  hind  legs  not  follow- 
ing in  an  exact  line  with  the  front  ones,  and,  instead 
of  walking  directly  forward,  the  hog  appears  to  move 
sideways.  Sometimes,  the  legs  become  crossed,  and 
the  animal  may  take  this  position  when  standing. 
After  lying  down  there  is  more  or  less  difiiculty  in 
getting  up.  These  symptoms  become  progressively 
worse  until  the  hog  simply  drags  the  hind  parts,  and 
is  unable  to  get  up  or  support  its  weight  on  the  hind 
feet. 

The  appetite  is  usually  good  in  the  early  stage  and 
may  remain  so.  Pressure  over  the  back  and  loins 
does   not  cause  the  animal  pain,  but  it  may   squeal 


64  DISEASES     OF      SWINE 

and  seem  to  suffer  severe  pain  when  made  to  move 
or  try  to  get  on  its  feet.  If  recovery  does  not  take 
place  within  a  few  days  or  a  week,  the  appetite  be- 
comes poor,  the  bowels  constipated,  and  the  hog 
grows  worse  rapidly,  and  within  a  few  days  makes 
but  little  effort  to  get  up.  Such  cases  usually  prove 
fatal  within  a  short  time. 

Treatment. — This  disease  is  one  that  can  be  large- 
ly prevented.  Hogs  should  not  be  kept  under  condi- 
tions that  predispose  them  to  injury.  Growing  pigs 
should  have  plenty  of  room  for  exercise,  and  be  fed 
a  suitable  ration  in  order  to  prevent  a  diseased  con- 
dition of  the  bones.  Fracture  of  the  thigh-bones,  as 
a  result  of  a  rhachitic  condition,  sometimes  occurs, 
and  is  frequently  mistaken  for  a  paralysis,  hence  it 
is  well  to  include  the  above  preventive  measures  with 
the  treatment  of  this  disease. 

As  soon  as  the  hog  is  noticed  ailing,  it  should  be 
given  a  pen  by  itself,  and  fed  a  light,  sloppy  diet.  To 
prevent  constipation  and  keep  the  bowels  loose  a 
physic  of  castor-oil  should  be  given.  If  necessary, 
this  may  be  supplemented  by  an  enema  of  glycerine 
and  water. 

Counter-irritation  along  the  back  is  indicated  in 
this  disease.  Oil  of  turpentine  (ten  parts)  and  croton 
oil  (one  part)  make  a  very  useful  blistering  liniment. 
The  firing-iron  may  also  be  used.  Dr.  Peters  recom- 
mends the  following  method  of  firing  the  back: 
Fourteen  or  fifteen  pieces  of  number  sixteen  wire, 
pointed  at  one  end,  are  placed  in  a  charcoal  or  corn 
cob  fire  and  heated  to  a  white  heat.     When  hot  as 


DISEASES    OF   THE    NERVOUS    SYSTEM  65 

desired  they  are  grasped  with  a  pair  of  pincers  and 
the  pointed  ends  phniged  through  the  skin  and  into 
the  fatty  tissues.  The  skin  should  be  punctured  in 
places  an  inch  or  two  apart. 

In  the  way  of  general  treatment  nerve  tonics 
should  be  used.  The  most  useful  drug  for  this  pur- 
pose is  tincture  of  nux  vomica.  From  five  to  fifteen 
drops  should  be  given  two  or  three  times  a  day.  The 
hog  must  not  be  forced  to  walk,  as  this  is  very  apt 
to  retard  recovery.  After  becoming  able  to  use  its 
hind  parts,  it  should  be  kept  away  from  the  other 
hogs  for  a  short  time. 


DISEASES  OF  THE  GENERATIVE  ORGANS 


STERILITY— BARRENNESS 

Through  some  fault  of  the  male  or  female,  some- 
times both,  conception  does  not  follow  as  a  result  of 
copulation,  and  the  female  fails  to  breed.  This  con- 
dition may  be  due  to  a  variety  of  causes,  and  is  either 
temporary  or  permanent.  Sterility  is  less  common 
in  hogs  than  in  most  farm  animals. 

Causes. — The  most  common  cause  of  impotency  or 
sterility  in  the  male  is  lack  of,  or  too  much  functional 
exercise,  too  close  confinement,  old  age,  and  the  feed- 
ing of  an  unsuitable  ration  or  one  that  tends  to  fat- 
ten the  animal.  Fatty  degeneration  of  the  testicles 
may  occur  under  such  a  condition,  or  at  least  they 
become  so  infiltrated  with  fat  as  to  interfere  with 
their  function.  Overly  fat  boars  may  become  so 
clumsy  and  lazy  that  they  cannot,  or  will  not  serve 
the  sow.  It  is  not  uncommon  for  impotency  to  be 
due  to  an  injured  penis  and  an  improper  development 
of  the  sexual  organs.  Sometimes  during  copulation 
the  penis  is  broken,  bitten  off  and  injured  in  other 
ways. 

Sterility  in  the  sow  may  result  from  a  greater  va- 
riety of  conditions  than  in  the  boar.  Excessive  fat- 
tening, as  is  sometimes  seen  in  sows  fitted  for  exhi- 
bition purposes,  is  a  frequent  cause  in  this  class  of 

66 


DISEASES  OF  THE  GENERATIVE  ORGANS  67 

animals.  It  may  be  due  to  the  ovaries  undergoing 
the  same  changes  as  do  the  testicles  of  the  male 
under  like  conditions,  or  to  the  closure  of  the  mater- 
nal passages  by  the  accumulations  of  fat.  In  the  for- 
mer case  the  changes  in  the  ovaries  may  be  so  great 
that  they  cannot  return  to  the  normal,  and  the  sterility 
is  permanent.  In  the  latter  it  is  usually  temporary, 
and  the  function  of  the  organs  can  be  restored  by 
reducing  the  condition  of  the  sow. 

Sometimes  a  rigidity  and  closure  of  the  opening 
into  the  womb  prevent  the  seminal  fluid  from  enter- 
ing it.  Such  a  condition  may  occur  in  a  young  or 
aged  sow.  Inflammation  of  the  lining  membrane  of 
the  womb  and  the  passages  leading  to  it  may  also 
cause  barrenness.  In  this  disease  a  discharge,  some- 
times so  slight  as  to  escape  notice,  occurs,  and  the 
male  element  of  the  seminal  fluid  on  coming  in  con- 
tact with  it,  is  destroyed.  In  old  age  both  sexes 
may  fail  to  breed. 

Faulty  development  of  the  sexual  organs  may  oc- 
cur in  sows.  The  uterus  may  be  abnormally  small, 
the  ovaries  rudimentary  or  undeveloped,  and  the 
vagina  and  os  not  perforated.  Hermaphrodites  are 
sometimes  met  with  in  this  species  of  animals. 

Treatment. — Excessive  fat  is  so  often  a  cause  of 
sterility  in  both  sexes  that  more  attention  should  be 
given  to  preventive  than  to  curative  measures.  Breed- 
ing animals  should  not  be  fed  a  ration  high  in  fat- 
producing  elements.  Exercise  is  also  an  essential 
part  of  the  care,  and  should  not  be  overlooked.  In 
other    words,    we    cannot   expect    the    parents    to   be 


68  DISEASES     OF      SWINE 

productive,  and  have  strong,  healthy  offspring,  unless 
they  are  in   a  healthy  condition   themselves. 

The  male  must  not  be  used  too  freely,  if  young. 
The  excessive  use  of  the  male  at  all  times  should  be 
avoided.  When  he  does  not  act  as  free  as  he  should, 
a  stimulating  ration  should  be  fed  and  more  exercise 
allowed.  Sterility  in  the  female,  caused  by  a  closure 
of  the  opening  into  the  womb,  can  be  corrected  by 
dilating  the  part  the  same  as  in  other  animals. 
Closure  of  the  maternal  passages  with  fat  can  be 
overcome  by  feeding  a  more  suitable  ration  and  per- 
mitting the  sow  to  take  plenty  of  exercise. 

Sows  having  a  discharge  from  the  parts  should  not 
be  bred.  Local  treatment  with  disinfectant  and  as- 
tringent solutions  should  be  used  until  the  leucor- 
rhoeal  discharges  stop. 

X/  ABORTION 

Abortion  is  the  expulsion  of  the  young  from  the 
womb  before  it  has  become  well  enough  developed  to 
live  outside  of  the  mother.  This  accident  may  occur 
in  the  sow,  but  is  not  nearly  so  common  as  in  rumi- 
nants. Two  forms  of  abortion,  sporadic  and  con- 
tagious, occur.  The  former  variety  is  the  more 
common. 

Sporadic  abortion  is  generally  due  to  external 
causes.  Sows  well  advanced  in  pregnancy  may  be- 
come injured  in  some  way  and  slip  their  pigs.  It 
occurs  when  the  sows  are  kept  in  crowded  quarters, 
or  when  allowed  to  sleep  in  exposed  places  during 
the    cold    weather.      Crawling    through    small    open- 


DISEASES  OF  THE  GENERATIVE  ORGANS  69 

ing-s  in  the  pen,  or  crowding  one  another  in  going 
through  gates,  doors,  etc.,.  may  also  cause  it.  Other 
accidental  injuries  and  conditions  that  sometimes 
cause  abortion  are  kicks  and  blows  in  the  region  of 
the  abdomen,  becoming  excited  by  other  animals,  such 
as  dogs,  sows  in  heat,  etc.,  sudden  falls,  chilling, 
spoiled  food,  food  containing  ergot,  digestive  dis- 
orders, hog  cholera,  swine  plague,  and  other  diseases. 

Infectious  abortion  in  sows  is  not  very  well  under- 
stood. It  is  not  a  common  disease,  and  although  the 
specific  cause  has  not  been  discovered,  this  form  of 
abortion  is  no  doubt  due  to  a  specific  germ.  The 
conditions  for  spreading  the  infection  from  one  herd 
to  another  are  not  so  favorable  as  in  some  classes  of 
farm  animals,  hence  the  disease  does  not  spread 
rapidly. 

Symptoms. — In  abortion  the  parts  are  not  pre- 
pared for  giving  birth  to  the  young,  and  the  act  may 
be  accompanied  by  marked  nervous  disturbances  and 
pain.  Birth  may  progress  more  slowly  than  when 
the  conditions  are  normal.  However,  the  symptoms 
depend  largely  on  the  period  of  pregnancy  in  which 
the  accident  occurs  and  its  cause.  When  caused  by 
an  injury,  the  symptoms  are  more  serious  than  when 
due  to  a  specific  cause  (germs).  In  the  latter  period 
of  pregnancy  an  accidental  abortion  is  usually  ac- 
companied by  a  serious  train  of  symptoms. 

The  sow  acts  uneasy,  is  sick,  and  refuses  to  eat. 
Abdominal  pains  may  occur.  The  final  symptoms  are 
trembling  of  the  muscles,  or  shivering,  more  or  less 
straining,  depression,  and  in  some  cases  severe  labor 


yO  DISEASES     OF      SWINE 

pains,  and  a  prolonged  and  difficult  birth.  Hem- 
orrhage may  occur.  If  not  too  sick,  the  sow  is  seen 
making  a  bed,  the  same  as  in  a  normal  birth. 

In  the  infectious  form  the  symptoms  are  not 
usually  marked.  In  the  early  period  of  pregnancy, 
the  accident  may  cause  so  little  disturbance  as  to 
escape  observation  for  a  time.  Even  in  advanced 
pregnancy  it  causes  but  little  disturbance.  The  parts 
are  more  or  less  prepared  for  the  act,  and  as  the 
young  are  small  and  not  fully  developed  they  are 
passed  with  ease.  In  most  cases  a  chronic  discharge 
from  the  vagina  follows  the  abortion,  and  the  sow 
remains  sterile  for  several  months. 

An  easy  abortion  is  not  usually  followed  by  serious 
symptoms.  The  sow  may  act  dull  and  feverish  for 
a  few  days,  and  then  show  no  further  symptoms. 
Certain  complications  are  apt  to  occur,  such  as 
hemorrhage  and  inflammation  of  the  womb,  peri- 
tonitis, and  leucorrhoea.  However,  the  outcome  is 
favorable,  and  the  animal  makes  a  good  recovery  if 
given  proper  attention  and  care. 

Treatment. — When  the  sow  is  pregnant,  all  pos- 
sible precaution  should  be  taken  against  accidental 
injuries,  as  little  can  be  done  to  arrest  the  abortion 
after  the  disturbance  has  begun.  All  that  can  be 
done  is  to  keep  the  sow  as  quiet  as  possible  and  give 
her  comfortable  quarters.  To  quiet  her,  tincture  of 
opium  should  be  given  in  teaspoonful  doses  every 
few  hours.  In  case  of  a  difficult  abortion  all  neces- 
sary aid  should  be  given,  and  any  compHcation  that 
may  follow  should  receive  prompt  attention. 


DISEASES  OF  THE  GENERATIVE  ORGANS  ']! 

It  is  always  a  wise  measure  to  remove  the  sow 
from  the  herd,  as  the  abortion  may  be  infectious  and 
spread  rapidly.  In  this  latter  form  prompt  measures 
must  be  taken  against  the  spread  of  the  disease.  This 
consists  mainly  in  disinfecting  the  pens,  burning  the 
afterbirth  and  dead  pigs,  and  keeping  the  sows  that 
have  aborted  away  from  the  herd.  The  leucorrhoea 
that  may  follow  should  be  treated  by  injecting  the 
womb  and  maternal  passages  with  a  one  per  cent, 
water  solution  of  some  of  the  tar  disinfectants  daily, 
and  keeping  up  this  treatment  for  as  long,  a  time  as 
necessary.  The  sow  must  not  be  bred  until  the  dis- 
charge from  the  parts  has  stopped. 

INFLAMMATION  OF  THE  UTERUS  AND  VAGINA 

Causes. — Inflammation  of  the  womb  and  the  pas- 
sages leading  to  it  frequently  occurs  as  a  complica- 
tion of  a  difficult  birth,  or  as  a  result  of  the  retention 
of  dead  fetuses  and  decomposition  of  the  afterbirth. 
Herdsmen,  when  assisting  in  a  difficult  birth,  may 
injure  and  infect  the  parts  with  germs,  causing  the 
lining  membrane  of  the  uterus  and  vagina  to  become 
irritated  and  inflamed.  Dirty  hands,  cords,  and  in- 
struments are  the  usual  sources  of  germ  infection  at 
the  time  of  birth. 

Symptoms. — The  disease  usually  occurs  in  connec- 
tion with  a  difficult  birth  and  the  retention  of  one  or 
more  dead  pigs.  The  character  of  the  symptoms 
depends  on  the  extent  of  the  inflammation.  In  se- 
rious cases   the   temperature   is   higher  than   normal, 


72  DISEASES      OF      SWINE 

the  animal  acts  feverish  and  dull,  the  respirations  and 
pulse-beats  are  quickened,  the  appetite  lost,  and  the 
pain  more  or  less  severe.  The  sow  remains  in  her 
bed  most  of  the  time.  When  she  gets  on  her  feet  and 
moves  about,  the  gait  is  unsteady  and  staggery.  This 
results  from  weakness  and  the  soreness  in  the  hind 
parts.  When  the  hand  is  introduced  into  the  vagina 
the  parts  feel  hot,  and  the  visible  part  of  the  mucous 
membrane  lining  the  vulva  is  red  and  inflamed. 
Within  a  few  days  a  discharge  from  the  vulva  occurs, 
and  if  the  afterbirth  and  one  or  more  dead  pigs  are 
retained,  the  sow  strains  frequently  and  endeavors 
to  expel  them.     Shivering  also  occurs. 

In  the  severe  cases  the  disease  usually  terminates 
in  death.  The  sow  grows  weak  rapidly,  and  dies  in  a 
short  time  after  coming  down  with  the  disease. 

In  the  mild  form  marked  general  disturbances, 
such  as  loss  of  appetite,  fever,  and  severe  pain,  do 
not  occur.  Sometimes  the  inflammation  takes  on  a 
chronic  form  and  continues  for  several  weeks.  A 
disagreeable  discharge  containing  portions  of  decom- 
posed pigs  and  membranes  is  passed,  and  the  animal 
becomes  very  unthrifty,  or  the  discharge  may  be  so 
slight  as  to  escape  notice.  Unless  treated,  it  usually 
continues  for  weeks.  Peritonitis  is  not  an  uncommon 
complication. 

Treatment. — Preventive  measures  are  of  the  great- 
est importance  in  this  disease.  Dirty  hands  and  in- 
struments must  not  be  introduced  into  the  genital 
canal.  When  giving  the  necessary  aid  in  a  difficult 
birth,  the  operator  should  avoid  injuring  the  organs, 


DISEASES  OF  THE  GENERATIVE  ORGANS 


73 


ancX  take  the  necessary  precautions  against  infecting 
them  with  irritating  germs. 

The  treatment  should  be  used  before  the  inflamma- 
tion has  had  an  opportunity  to  spread  to  the  neigh- 
boring parts.  The  sow  should  be  given  comfortable 
quarters  and  good  care.  To  keep  her  strength  up,  we 
should  coax  her  to  eat,  and  give  her  stimulants  and 


FIG.  6— A  PIG  EXTRACTOR    C'CINCh") 

tonics,  if  necessary.  The  local  treatment  consists  in 
injecting  the  womb  and  vagina  with  some  reliable  tar 
disfectant  solution.  Some  form  of  a  fountain  syringe 
should  be  used  in  giving  the  injection,  and  a  one  or 
two  per  cent,  water  solution  of  the  disinfectant  used. 
In  bad  cases  the  above  treatment  is  repeated  twice 
a  day  for  as  long  a  time  as  necessary. 


INVERSION  AND  PROLAPSUS  OF  THE  VAGINA 
AND  UTERUS 
This  accident  usually  follows  birth.  Only  a  part 
of  the  genital  canal,  or  womb,  may  be  involved,  and 
it  is  seldom  that  a  complete  prolapsus  of  the  parts 
occurs.      The   chief   symptom    is    a   tumor-like    mass 


74  DISEASES      OF      SWINE 

protruding  from  between  the  lips  of  the  vulva,  or 
hanging  some  distance  below  the  opening. 

Treatment. — The  treatment  consists  in  cleaning 
the  parts  with  warm  water  and  disinfectants,  redu- 
cing the  congestion  in  the  tissues,  and  returning  the 
mass  to  its  normal  position.  This  is  generally  no 
easy  task,  and  may  cause  the  sow  a  great  deal  of 
pain.  If  the  parts  are  inverted  to  such  an  extent  as 
to  expose  a  large  part  of  the  lining  membrane,  it 
becomes  swollen  and  inflamed,  sometimes  injured  and 
gangrenous.  The  size  of  the  tumor-like  mass  may 
become  greatly  increased  by  the  distended  bladder, 
as  the  canal  leading  from  the  bladder  is  so  pressed 
on  that  urine  cannot  be  passed.  All  of  the  above  con- 
ditions must  be  relieved  before  the  accident  can  be 
successfully  corrected. 

To  reduce  the  size  of  the  mass  it  should  be  ban- 
daged, beginning  at  the  outer  end  and  winding  to- 
ward the  body.  It  is  best  to  use  a  clean  muslin  ban- 
dage about  two  yards  in  length.  This  should  be  al- 
lowed to  stay  on  for  about  ten  or  fifteen  minutes  and 
hot  water  fomentations  used.  This  should  be  re- 
peated as  often  as  necessary,  or  until  the  tissues  are 
in  a  fit  condition  to  be  returned.  When  badly  injured, 
or  gangrenous,  the  only  thing  that  can  be  done  is  to 
amputate  the  mass. 

In  returning  the  organs  the  finger,  or  thumb  is 
pressed  against  the  center  of  the  tissues,  and  they  are 
shoved  forward  and  replaced  in  their  normal  position. 
They  are  then  retained  in  position  by  taking  a  few 
stout  stitches  across  the  opening  and  to  each  side  of 


DISEASES  OF  THE  GENERATIVE  ORGANS 


75 


the  lips  of  the  vulva.  The  vagina  should  be  injected 
once  a  day  for  a  few  days  with  an  astringent  or  dis- 
infectant wash  in  order  to  relieve  the  irritated  condi- 
tion of  the  mucous  membrane.     The  stitches  are  re- 


FIG.    7 — BLACK    OR    PIGMENTARY    TUMORS    FROM    SOW  S    UDDER 

moved  as  soon  as   further  danger  from  inversion  is 
over. 


INFLAMMATION  OF  THE  UDDER— GARGET 

Causes. — Inflammation  of  the  udder  commonly 
occurs  in  heavy  milkers,  and  is  caused  by  all  of  the 
milk  not  being  removed.  Frequently,  it  occurs  as  a 
result  of  the  milk  accumulating  in  the  udder  when 
the  sow  has  lost  a  part  of  her  litter.     Other  causes 


*j(i  DISEASES      OF      SWINE 

are  obstructed  teats,  injuries  to  the  glandular  tissue, 
and  infection  from  germs.  Congestion  and  inflamma- 
tion of  the  udder  sometimes  follow  a  difficult  birth. 

Treatment. — Milking  the  sow's  udder  two  or 
three  times  a  day  will  usually  relieve  its  congested 
condition.  A  physic  of  Epsom  salts  should  be  given 
every  other  day,  and  a  sloppy  diet  fed.  In  case  the 
udder  becomes  inflamed  it  should  be  kneaded  gently 
with  the  fingers,  and  the  following  ointment  applied 
daily:  Extract  of  belladonna  and  gum  camphor  (one 
dram  of  each),  and  vaseline  (three  ounces).  Hot  fo- 
mentations may  also  be  used. 

Sore  teats  should  be  bathed  daily  with  white  lotion 
(one  part  zinc  sulphate,  three-fourths  of  a  part  lead 
acetate,  and  thirty  parts  water)  until  healed. 

INFLAMMATION  OF  THE  TESTICLES— ORCHITIS 

Inflammation  of  the  testicles  in  the  boar  is  gen- 
erally caused  by  blows,  kicks,  and  bites  from  other 
animals.  It  may  also  occur  as  a  result  of  an  inflam- 
mation extending  from  a  neighboring  part  and  germ 
infection,  or  as  a  complication  of  some  infectious 
disease. 

The  symptoms  are  mostly  local,  the  testicles  and 
scrotum  appearing  swollen,  tender,  and  inflamed.  The 
pain  is  manifested  by  a  straddling  gait.  In  severe 
cases  the  hog  acts  dull,  and  stays  in  bed  most  of  the 
time. 

Treatment. — If  the  inflammation  is  mild,  the  only 
treatment  necessary  is  to  give  a  physic  and  feed  a 
light  diet.     In  severe  cases  it  is  necessary  to  apply 


DISEASES  OF  THE  GENERATIVE  ORGANS  'J'J 

hot  water  packs,  or  clothes  that  have  been  wrung  out 
in  hot  water,  to  the  partj  in  order  to  keep  down  the 
inflammation.  This  should  be  persevered  with  until 
the  acute  part  of  the  inflammation  has  subsided.  A 
water  solution  of  iodine  should  then  be  applied  to  the 
scrotum  (iodine  crystals,  one  and  a  half  parts;  iodide 
of  potassium,  one  part;  and  water,  twenty  parts). 
Twenty  grains  of  iodide  of  potassium  should  be  given 
in  the  feed  twice  a  day  for  a  few  weeks. 

If  an  abcess  forms,  it  is  necessary  to  castrate  the 
boar  and  wash  out  the  part  with  a  disinfectant  solu- 
tion. This  should  not  be  postponed  until  too  late,  or 
the  animal  may  die.  Degeneration  of  the  testicles 
sometimes  occurs.  Water  sometimes  forms  in  the 
scrotum  as  a  result  of  the  inflammatory  changes. 

WATER  IN  THE  SCROTUM— HEMATOCELE- 
HYDROCELE 

This  condition  is  seldom  met  with  in  hogs.  The 
usual  cause  of  fluid  collecting  in  the  scrotal  sack  is 
an  inflammation  of  the  covering  of  the  testicle 
(tunica  vaginalis).  This  may  follow  as  the  result 
of  an  injury  to  the  walls  of  the  scrotum.  A  small 
water  seed  (hydrocele)  may  occur  as  a  complica- 
tion of  castration,  when  the  operation  is  performed 
carelessly. 

Symptoms. — The  swelling  is  soft,  elastic,  and  pain- 
less, and  confined  largely  to  the  lower  part  of  the 
scrotum.  When  a  large  quantity  of  fluid  (serum,  or 
blood  and  serum)  collects  between  the  layers  of  the 
tunic  or  at  the  end  of  the  cord,  it  may  resemble  a 


78  DISEASES     OF      SWINE 

rupture  or  scrotal  hernia.  However,  when  pressed 
on  with  the  fingers,  the  movement  of  the  fluid  in  the 
sack  enables  the  examiner  to  determine  the  difference 
between  these  two  conditions. 

Treatment. — In  most  cases  treatment  is  unneces- 
sary, as  the  disease  does  not  interfere  in  any  way 
with  the  animal's  health.  If  treatment  is  desirable, 
the  fluid  can  be  drawn  off  with  an  aspirating  syringe 
and  tincture  of  iodine  injected  into  the  cavity.  This 
operation  must  be  performed  under  aseptic  condi- 
tions in  order  to  prevent  germs  from  entering  the 
part.  In  some  cases  it  is  advisable  to  castrate  the 
animal.  Where  this  condition  follows  castration,  all 
that  is  necessary  is  to  dissect  out  the  sack. 

INFLAMMATION  OF  THE  PREPUCE  OR  SHEATH 

This  condition  is  usually  caused  by  the  secretions 
and  dirt  accumulating  in  the  sheath  and  its  side  folds. 
The  irritation  caused  by  the  dirt  inflames  the  lining 
membrane,  and  the  glands  in  the  part  secrete  more 
actively.  Infection  from  pus  germs  usually  follows, 
and  the  tissues  become  badly  inflamed  if  not  treated 
promptly. 

Symptoms. — The  symptoms  are  usually  local,  and 
confined  to  the  region  of  the  sheath,  or  prepuce.  The 
tissues  become  swollen,  painful,  and  hot,  and  when 
badly  swollen  there  may  be  some  difficulty  in  passing 
urine.  The  animal  seems  to  suffer  some  pain.  When 
the  swelling  is  pressed  on,  it  causes  the  hog  pain, 
and  a  disagreeable-smelling  fluid-like  substance,  often 
cheesy  in  character,  may  be  forced  out.     In  case  the 


DISEASES     OF     THE     GENERATIVE     ORGANS  79 

flow  of  the  urine  is  interfered  with  symptoms  of  re- 
tention of  the  urine  develop. 

Treatment. — It  is  necessary  to  confine  the  hog  by 
placing  it  on  its  back  in  order  to  treat  it.  The  out- 
side of  the  sheath  should  be  first  fomented  with  hot 
water,  and  freed  from  any  secretions  and  dirt  that 
may  have  collected  on  its  surface  and  around  the 
opening  into  it.  The  collection  in  the  sheath  can 
then  be  broken  down  with  the  fingers  or  nozzle  of  the 
syringe,  and  the  part  irrigated  with  a  warm  water 
solution  of  some  disinfectant.  All  of  the  material 
must  be  removed  and  the  part  thoroughly  cleaned. 
If  it  is  impossible  to  do  this  through  the  opening  at 
the  front  of  the  sheath,  an  incision  large  enough  for 
the  purpose  must  be  made  in  one  or  both  side  folds. 

The  after  treatment  consists  in  irrigating  the  pre- 
puce with  an  antiseptic  wash  once  a  day  for  as  long 
a  time  as  necessary. 


/ 


DISEASES    OF  THE   SKIN 


NETTLE-RASH— URTICARIA 

Urticaria  is  an  acute  skin  disease  in  which  the 
cellular  tissue  becomes  infiltrated  with  fluid  from  the 
capillary  blood-vessels,  and  flattened  blotches  or 
swollen  spots  form  on  the  skin.  They  are  not  lim- 
ited to  any  particular  region.  This  disease  occurs 
mostly  in  young  pigs. 

Causes. — The  most  common  causes  of  urticaria 
are  irritation  to  the  skin  by  lice,  dipping  and  sprink- 
ling hogs  with  irritating  solutions  (kerosene  emul- 
sion), and  filth.  Well-fed  young  hogs  seem  to  be 
predisposed  to  this  disease.  Leguminous  forage  crops 
are  said  to  cause  it.  It  may  accompany  other  dis- 
eases, especially  infectious  diseases. 

Symptoms. — The  blotches  come  on  the  skin  very 
suddenly,  frequently  during  the  night,  and  are  most 
numerous  and  noticeable  on  the  ears,  sides  of  the 
neck,  back  of  the  arms,  inside  of  the  thighs,  or 
wherever  the  skin  is  thin.  They  appear  as  swollen 
re  1  spots  that  vary  greatly  in  size.  Several  spots  may 
run  together  and  form  large  blotches  an  inch  across. 
Because  of  the  intense  itching,  the  hog  will  scratch 
and  rub  the  inflamed  skin,  and  the  surface  of  the 
blotches  appears  red  and  moist. 

While  the  irritation  lasts  the  hog  is  very  restless, 

80 


DISEASES    OF    THE    SKIN  8l 

and  there  is  a  noticeabk  check  in  their  thriftiness. 
However,  the  disease  is  not  serious  as  a  rule,  and  the 
disagreeable  symptoms  caused  by  the  skin  irritation 
pass  off  in  a  few  days.  We  must  not  make  the  mis- 
take of  including  the  symptoms  of  the  primary  dis- 
ease with  those  of  urticaria,  when  the  latter  occurs 
as  a  complication.  This  mistake  is  sometimes  made 
by  some  writers.  Pustules  are  said  to  form  in  severe 
cases. 

The  disease  is  not  contagious.  Its  presence  in  the 
whole  herd  can  be  explained  by  the  predisposition  on 
the  part  of  the  animals,  and  the  extent  of  the  causa- 
tive factor  or  factors. 

Treatment. — The  preventive  measures  against  the 
disease  consist  in  keeping  growing  hogs  in  clean 
quarters,  and  avoiding  the  use  of  irritating  prepara- 
tions on  the  skin.  There  are  plenty  of  non-irritating 
washes  and  dips  that  can  be  used  for  the  purpose  of 
destroying  lice  and  cleaning  the  skin,  without  resort- 
ing to  the  use  of  irritating  preparations. 

At  the  beginning  of  an  attack  of  urticaria  a  physic 
should  be  given  the  animal.  Epsom  salts  is  best,  and 
can  be  given  in  the  feed  or  as  a  drench.  The  hogs 
should  be  kept  in  a  cool,  shady  place,  and  fed  a  sloppy 
diet.  In  severe  cases  some  writers  advise  dosing  the 
animals  with  Fowler's  solution.  The  dose  is  ten 
drops  in  the  feed  for  each  hundred  pounds  live 
weight,  twice  a  day. 

After  the  hogs  have  recovered,  if  dirty  or  lousy, 
they  should  be  dipped  in  a  one  or  two  per  cent,  water 
solution    of    some    tar    disinfectant.      The    premises 


8>2  DISEASES      OF      SWIXE 

should  also  be  cleaned  up.  It  is  not  an  easy  matter 
to  get  rid  of  hog  lice,  and  it  may  be  necessary  to 
move  the  animals  to  new  quarters  for  a  few  weeks. 
A  two  per  cent,  solution  is  more  effective  for  de- 
stroying lice  than  a  one  per  cent.,  and  the  herd 
should  be  dipped  twice  at  intervals  of  one  week  or 
ten  days.  After  dipping  or  washing  them,  the  hogs 
should  be  kept  out  of  the  hot  sun  until  dried  off. 

PITCH  MANGE— ECZEMA 

Acute  and  chronic  inflammation  of  the  skin  is  not 
an  uncommon  disease  in  hogs.  This  is  not  due  to  a 
susceptibility  of  this  class  of  animals  to  skin  diseases, 
but  more  to  the  conditions  under  which  they  are  kept. 

Causes. — This  disease  is  associated  with  unhy- 
gienic conditions,  filthy  pens,  extremes  of  heat  and 
cold,  and  a  debilitated  condition.  Light  skinned  hogs 
and  those  having  a  light  coat  of  hair  are  apt  to  suf- 
fer from  inflammation  of  the  skin  during  the  hot 
weather,  as  a  result  of  irritation  from  the  sun's  rays, 
especially  if  kept  in  muddy  yards.  A  severe  slough- 
ing of  the  skin  may  occur  if  hogs  are  allowed  to 
wallow  in  pools  of  water,  that  sometimes  form  in  the 
places  where  corn-cobs  have  been  burned  into  char- 
coal. Eczema  sometimes  occurs  in  a  drove  of  hogs 
that  are  kept  on  marsh  land  because  of  the  irritating 
properties  of  the  soil.  Inflammation  and  sloughing  of 
the  skin  may  occur  in  hog  cholera,  articular  rheuma- 
tism, and  other  germ  diseases. 

Symptoms. — In  white  hogs  the  affected  parts  of 
the  skin  may  appear  red,  inflamed,  swollen,  and  tender. 


DISEASES    OF    THE    SKIN 


83 


In  moist  eczema  small  red  spots  appear  first,  and  are 
followed  by  vesicles  or  blisters.  In  a  short  time  these 
change  to  pustules.  All  stages  of  the  inflammation 
may  be  seen.  When  the  pustules  dry  up,  crusts  are 
formed.  In  hog  cholera  the  affected  parts  of  the 
skin  finally  become  dry  and  hard,  separate  from  the 


FIG.     8 — A     SKIN     DISEASE     CAUSED     BY     MUCK     DIRT 

healthy  skin,  and  slough  off.  In  case  the  inflamma- 
tion is  caused  by  severe  irritation,  cracks  form  in  the 
skin  on  the  back,  ears,  and  other  parts  of  the  body, 
and  may  form  large  sores. 

The  pain  and  irritation  usually  cause  the  hog  to  act 
restless.  In  some*  cases  the  appetite  is  poor,  and  the 
hog  acts  dull  and  feverish. 


84  DISEASES      OF      SWINE 

Treatment. — The  preventive  treatment  consists  in 
avoiding,  as  much  as  possible,  such  conditions  as  may 
irritate  the  skin.  Filthy  surroundings  should  be 
avoided,  and  the  hogs  kept  in  a  thrifty  condition. 

When   the   hogs   are   kept   in   muddy   yards,   they 


FIG.  9 — WART  FROM   THROAT  OF   HOG 

should  be  occasionally  washed,  or  dipped,  in  a  one  per 
cent,  water  solution  of  a  tar  disinfectant.  Keeping 
the  hogs  clean  is  a  very  necessary  part  of  their  care, 
and  a  dipping-tank  should  be  a  part  of  the  equipment 
in  the  hog  yards. 

SKIN  WARTS 

Warts  are  growths  on  the  skin  caused  by  piled  up 
epidermal  cells,  or  hypertrophy  of  the  papillae  of  the 


DISEASES   OF   THE   SKIN  85 

skin.  Weak,  debilitated  hogs  seem  to  be  predispos(|j 
to  warts,  or  more  likely,  the  condition  of  the  inde- 
vidual  is  the  cause  of  the  malnutrition  of  the  skin. 
Irritation  to  the  skin  by  dirt,  etc.,  may  also  cause  it. 
Warts  are  said  to  result  from  specific  causes  (germs). 
If  the  cause  of  the  warts  is  known  it  should  be 
removed.  Large  warts  can  be  cut  off  with  a  knife  or 
a  pair  of  scissors.  A  preparation  of  a  dram  of 
salicylic  acid  and  an  ounce  of  castor-oil,  rubbed  on 
the  warts  once  a  day  for  a  week  or  more,  may  re- 
move them. 


DISEASES  OF  THE  LOCOMOTORY  ORGANS 

ARTICULAR  AND   MUSCULAR   RHEUMATISM 

Articular  and  muscular  rheumatism  are  so  fre- 
quently associated  in  this  class  of  animals,  that  it  is 
best  to  discuss  both  at  the  same  time.  Although  hogs 
live  under  favorable  conditions  for  the  development 
of  rheumatism,  they  do  not  contract  this  disease  as 
often  as  some  of  the  other  domestic  animals.  This  is 
probably  due  to  the  abundance  of  fatty  tissue  and  the 
protection  it  affords  the  animal. 

Causes. — This  disease  is  generally  attributed  to 
cold,  damp  pens  and  exposure,  but  it  may  occur  in 
hogs  that  are  well  cared  for.  Overfeeding  is  also 
said  to  cause  it.  Specific  causes,  unless  it  is  in  articu- 
iar  rheumatism,  should  not  be  considered  in  discuss- 
ing this  disease.  At  the  beginning  of  an  outbreak  of 
hog  cholera,  symptoms  of  a  rheumatic  character  are 
frequently  nbticed. 

Symptoms. — The  symptoms  are  quite  marked. 
These  are  fever,  loss  of  appetite,  lameness,  and  a  gen- 
eral lack  of  condition.  Sometimes  large  swellings  ap- 
pear in  the  region  of  the  hock,  knee,  and  joints  of 
the  feet.  If  the  muscles  of  the  back  are  affected,  the 
loins  and  back  are  held  stiff  and  arched,  the  muscles 
are  tender  or  sensitive  when  pressed  on,  and  the 
animal  may  be  unable  to  move  the  hind  parts.     The 

86 


DISEASES     OF     THE     LOCOMOTORY     ORGANS  8/ 

latter  cases  may  show  a  serious  train  of  symptoms. 
Sows  that  have  raised  a  Utter  of  pigs,  and  are  in  poor 
flesh   and  debiHtated,   are  sometimes  affected  in  this 

way. 

A  lameness  of  one  or  more  of  the  extremities,  that 
shows  a  tendency  to  move  about,  is  the  only  symptom 
noticed  in  the  mild  form  of  the  disease.  Stiffness  in 
the  gait  is  noticed,  especially  if  the  quarters  are  af- 
fected, and  the  hog  lies  around  the  pen  a  good  share 
of  the  time  and  refuses  to  go  far  for  its  food. 

In  acute  rheumatism  the  pain  in  the  affected  mus- 
cles and  joints  is  intense,  and  when  these  parts  are 
handled  or  the  joints  fixed,  the  animal  will  squeal. 
When  lying  down  asleep,  sudden  contractions  of  the 
muscles  may  be  noticed.  This  is  due  to  the  pain 
resulting  from  the  relaxing  of  the  muscles. 

The  disease  may  pursue  a  long  course,  the  joints 
become  greatly  enlarged,  and  the  hog  grows  very  thin 
and  weak.  In  such  cases  a  complete  recovery  does 
not  occur.  Acute  heart-disease  is  not  an  uncommon 
complication. 

Treatment. — Preventive  treatment  is  very  impor- 
tant. It  means  the  providing  of  dry,  comfortable 
quarters,  and  the  avoidance  of  exposure.  Old  straw 
stacks  should  not  be  used  as  a  shelter  for  hogs,  and 
the  same  is  true  of  draughty,  damp  hog  houses. 

An  important  part  of  the  treatment  is  to  provide 
dry,  warm,  comfortable  quarters  for  the  sick  ani- 
mals. Unless  this  is  practised,  but  little  good  can  be 
gotten  from  the  medicinal  treatment.  A  sloppy  diet 
is  also  indicated.     Salicylate  of  soda  is  the  most  use- 


88 


DISEASES      OF      SWINE 


fill  drug  to  give  in  this  disease.  The  dose  is  twenty 
or  thirty  grains  in  the  feed,  or  as  a  drench,  three 
times  a  day.  Larger  doses,  and  at  more  frequent 
intervals,   may  be   given   in  acute  cases   for  a   short 


FIG.    10 — A   LITTER   OF   PIGS    AFFECTED    WITH    RICKETS 

time.  Quinine  and  bitter  tonics  can  also  be  given. 
Blistering  ointments  and  liniments  should  be  applied 
to  the  inflamed  articulations. 


RICKETS— RHACHITIS 

Rickets  is  a  disease  affecting  the  bones,  and,  accord- 
ing to  some  writers  on  this  disease,  is  most  common 
in  growing  pigs  shortly  after  they  are  weaned.  In 
rickets,  the  bones  of  the  body  are  lacking  in  mineral 
or  earthy  matter,  and  as  a  result  lose  their  rigidity 


DISEASES     OF     THE     LOCOMOTORY     ORGANS  89 

and  become  deformed.  This  is  especially  true  of  the 
extremities. 

Causes. — The  most  common  cause  of  the  disease 
is  a  faulty  diet.  In  the  Corn  Belt,  where  corn  forms 
the  principal  part  of  the  ration  fed  growing  hogs, 
rickets  is  not  uncommon.  Such  a  diet  is  deficient  in 
inorganic  matter,  and  unless  supplemented  by  milk, 
pasture,  or  other  feeds,  the  bones  are  not  supplied 
with  the  necessary  elements.  Lack  of  exercise, 
crowded  quarters,  filth,  etc.,  help  in  causing  the  dis- 
ease. A  tendency  toward  rickets  in  pigs  is  no  doubt 
hereditary. 

Symptoms. — The  animal  is  usually  fat  at  the  be- 
ginning of  the  disease.  Large,  well-grown  pigs  may 
suddenly  develop  symptoms  of  paralysis  of  the  hind 
parts.  The  weakened  condition  of  the  thigh-bones 
and  the  extra  weight  that  they  support  causes  their 
fracture,  and  the  symptoms  resulting  resemble  the 
above  condition.  At  other  times  there  is  a  weakness 
and  bending  of  the  bones  in  the  extremities,  breaking 
down  upon  the  feet,  bending  or  arching  of  the  back, 
straddling  gait,  deformed  or  distorted  condition  of 
the  face  and  snout.  The  latter  condition  is  known  as 
snuffles. 

When  the  disease  takes  on  a  chronic  form,  or  has 
progressed  for  some  time,  the  pig  becomes  unthrifty 
and  stunted.  When  a  fracture  of  a  principal  bone  in 
the  extremity  occurs,  it  is  best  to  destroy  the  pig. 
Snuffles  is  another  condition  that  does  not  respond  to 
treatment. 

Treatment. — Rickets  can  be  prevented  by  feeding 


90 


DISEASES      OF      SWINE 


a  suitable  ration,  and  kccp'ng  the  hog  in  clean,  well- 
ventilated  quarters,  where  it  can  get  plenty  of  exer- 
cise. Salt  and  charcoal  are  valuable  additions  to  a 
growing  pig's   ration.     Whenever  a  litter  or  several 


FIG.    II — RHACHITIC    SWELLINGS    ON    THE    HOCK    JOINTS    OF   A    PIG 


individuals  in  the  herd  show  symptoms  of  the  dis- 
ease, the  character  of  the  ration  should  be  looked 
into,  and,  if  faulty,  corrected  by  adding  to  it  food 
containing  the  required  elements. 

It  is  hardly  practical  to  use  medicinal  treatment 
other  than  bitter  tonics.  Unless  it  is  in  advanced 
cases,  the  disease  can  be  controlled  by  feeding  a 
ration  rich  in  inorganic  substances,  and  good  hygienic 
conditions. 


DISEASES     OF     THE     LOCOMOTORY     ORGANS  9I 

SNUFFLES— BULLNOSE 

Snuffles  is  an  Inflammatory  disease  of  the  lining 
membrane  and  the  bony  walls  of  the  nasal  cavity, 
accompanied  by  a  distortion  or  deformity  of  the 
snout  and  face.  This  disease  is  frequently  discussed 
along  with  rickets,  and  can  be  considered  a  symptom 
or  complication  of  the  latter  disease.  Some  writers 
describe  two  forms  of  snuffles — a  catarrhal  and 
rhachitic.  In  the  catarrhal  form  there  is  no  notice- 
able change  or  deformity  in  the  bones  of  the  face, 
while  in  the  rhachitic  form  these  bones,  as  well  as 
other  parts  of  the  skeleton,  are  deformed. 

Causes. — This  disease  is  produced  by  a  primary 
inflammation  of  the  mucous  membrane  lining  the 
nasal  cavities  and  a  ration  lacking  in  the  necessary 
amount  of  earthy  matter.  Under  such  conditions 
rhachitis  of  the  facial  bones  may  occur.  Some 
authors  state,  that  the  deformity  of  the  face  may  oc- 
cur as  a  result  of  the  mucous  membrane  crowding 
the  walls  of  the  nasal  cavities.  We  must  not  over- 
look the  influence  that  a  local  inflammation  may  have 
in  producing  a  malnutrition  in  a  part,  when  the  diet 
and  surroundings  are  such  as  favor  its  production. 

The  causes  of  a  catarrhal  cold  and  rickets  are  dis- 
cussed under  their  separate  heads. 

Symptoms. — The  principal  symptoms  are  noisy, 
difficult  respirations,  a  nasal  discharge,  unthriftiness, 
and  a  deformity  of  the  snout  and  face. 

At  the  beginning  of  the  disease  the  symptoms  re- 
semble those  seen  in  nasal  catarrh  and  sore  throat. 
The   discharge    from  the   nostrils   is   continuous,   and 


92  DISEASES      OF      SWINE 

when  the  pig  hes  down  for  a  short  time,  accumu- 
lates in  the  nasal  cavities  and  causes  further  obstruc- 
tion. On  getting  up  the  animal  blows  the  nose  or 
coughs  in  order  to  clear  the  air  passages,  and  at  all 
times  it  makes  a  wheezing,  snuffling  sound  when 
breathing.  Bleeding  at  the  nose  occurs  in  advanced 
cases,  usually  when  taking  exercise. 

Pigs  affected  with  this  disease  have  a  dejected  ap- 
pearance, and  lie  around  the  pen  and  in  out-of-the- 
way  places  more  than  common.  The  appetite  is 
usually  poor,  and  the  animal  may  have  trouble  in 
eating  and  swallowing  food.  The  hog  appears  un- 
thrifty and  stunted.  The  hair  is  rough  and  long,  the 
skin  dirty,  condition  poor,  eyes  watery,  and  the  face, 
or  some  other  part  of  the  body,  deformed. 

The  disease  takes  a  long,  chronic  course.  After  it 
becomes  well  advanced,  the  hog  cannot  make  a  com- 
plete recovery.  Death  sometimes  occurs  within  a  few 
weeks  after  the  first  symptoms  are  noticed. 

Treatment. — The  treatment  is  preventive,  and 
along  the  same  line  as  in  rickets  and  cold  in  the  head. 
The  curative  measures  indicated  in  these  two  diseases 
may  also  be  used.  However,  it  is  not  best  to  attempt 
treatment  in  a  well-defined  case.  The  cheaper  and 
better  method  is  to  destroy  the  animal. 

SORE  FEET 

Heavy  hogs,  when  kept  on  hard  floors  or  driven 
over  rough  roads,  may  suflfer  from  bruised,  inflamed 
feet.  Hogs  that  are  kept  in  filthy  yards  may  also  suf- 
fer  from   this   disease.      Under   such   conditions,   the 


DISEASES   OF   THE    LUCOMOTORY   ORGANS  93 

tissue  between  the  claws  becomes  softened  by  the 
moisture,  and  the  germs  present  enter  the  tissues  and 
set  up  an  irritation. 

Treatment. — If  the  sore  feet  result  from  confining 
the  hogs  on  a  hard  floor,  turning  them  out  in  a  yard 
or  pasture  may  effect  a  cure.  If  the  pens  and  yards 
are  filthy,  the  hogs  should  be  changed  to  clean,  dry 
pens.  The  medicinal  treatment  consists  in  washing 
the  feet  once  a  day  with  a  four  per  cent,  solution  of 
some  of  the  tar  disinfectants  until  healed.  A  very 
effective  wash  for  the  feet  can  be  made  by  mixing 
one  teaspoonful  of  chloride  of  zinc  with  a  pint  of 
water.  This  mixture  tends  to  harden  the  feet  and 
destroy  all  germs. 

Keeping  the  hog  in  a  clean,  dry  place  is  very  nec- 
essary in  order  to  bring  about  a  cure. 


^■.:-^*-r  V  .vhV"     •Ji  i  ^nV-v  ^V  ■;.\>- 


PART   II 
SURGICAL    DISEASES 


SURGICAL    DISEASES 


CHOKING 

Choking  is  caused  by  swallowing  some  sharp  ob- 
ject, such  as  a  piece  of  bone,  that  penetrates  the  lin- 
ing membrane  of  the  gullet  and  becomes  lodged  in 
the  part,  or  by  such  objects  as  potatoes,  roots,  etc., 
that  are  too  large  to  pass  along  the  canal  and  into 
the  stomach.  Paralysis  of  the  oesophagus  may  also 
cause  it. 

Symptoms. — In  complete  choke,  the  hog  is  unable 
to  swallow  food,  saliva  dribbles  from  the  mouth  and 
bloating  occurs.  If  not  relieved,  death  occurs  in  a 
short  time.  The  symptoms  are  not  so  serious  in  par- 
tial choke,  difficulty  in  swallowing  and  salivation 
forming  the  main  symptoms. 

It  is  sometimes  difficult  to  recognize  a  partial 
choke.  In  case  the  obstruction  is  lodged  in  the  throat 
or  anterior  part  of  the  gullet,  it  may  be  felt  when 
the  part  is  manipulated  with  the  fingers.  Instead  of 
grunting  the  hog  makes  a  shrill  sound.  The  object 
may  be  gotten  rid  of  by  vomiting. 

Treatment. — When  the  object  is  smooth  and 
lodged  in  the  throat,  it  may  be  forced  forward  and 
into  the  mouth  by  pressing  below  it  with  the  fingers 
and  shoving  it  forward.  It  may  also  be  dislodged  by 
introducing  a  blunt,  flexible  stick  into  the  mouth  and 

97 


98  DISEASES     OF     SWINE 

gullet,  changing-  the  position  of  the  obstruction  and 
then  working  it  forward.  A  blunt  wire  hook  is  some- 
times used  when  the  object  is  well  forward.  A 
mouth  gag  and  a  probang  may  be  used  when  neces- 
sary. 

Drenching  the  hog  with  oils  or  mucilagenous 
drinks  (flaxseed  tea,  etc.)  will  lubricate  the  passages, 
and  the  object  may  slip  on  down  the  oesophagus  and 
into  the  stomach.  We  must  remember,  however,  that 
the  animal  is  unable  to  handle  a  large  drench,  when 
in  this  condition,  and  give  only  a  small  amount  at  a 
time,  or  a  part  may  get  into  the  air  passages  and  do 
a  great  deal  of  harm. 

Unless  the  hog  is  relieved  shortly  after  the  accident 
occurs,  it  is  best  to  slaughter  it. 

RUPTURE— HERNIA 

Hernia  or  rupture  is  a  condition  in  which  a  portion 
of  the  intestines,  or  omentum  have  passed  through 
the  walls  of  the  abdomen  and  lie  just  beneath  the 
skin. 

Rupture  in  pigs  Is  frequently  due  to  some  con- 
genital defect,  as  an  open  umbilicus  or  a  wide  in- 
guinal canal.  At  other  times,  it  is  caused  by  in- 
creased pressure  on  the  walls  of  the  abdomen  by  the 
intestines,  due  to  the  pigs  piling  up  and  lying  on  one 
another,  and  to  crawling  through  a  small  opening  in 
a  fence. 

The  different  forms  of  rupture  are  discussed  sep- 
arately. 


SURGICAL    DISEASES  99 

UMBILICAL  HERNIA 

Umbilical  hernia  is  usually  congenital.  At  the  time 
of  birth,  the  umbihcal  or  naval  opening  is  so  large 
that  the  naval  chord  does  not  completely  fill  it,  and  the 
omentum,  or  a  portion  of  the  intestines  pass  through 
and  take  a  position  immediately  beneath  the  skin. 
The  rupture  is  recognized  by  the  presence  of  a  swell- 
ing or  enlargement  on  the  under  side  of  the  belly 
and  opposite  the  naval  opening.  The  enlargement  is 
soft  and  free  from  inflammation,  and  larger  at  one 
time  than  another.  By  laying  the  pig  on  its  back  and 
pressing  downward  on  the  swelling,  its  contents  can 
be  forced  back  through  the  opening  at  its  base  and 
into  the  abdominal  cavity. 

Pigs  ruptured  in  this  way  do  not  thrive  well,  as  a 
rule,  and  sometimes  become  badly  stunted.  This  is 
especially  apt  to  be  the  case  when  the  swelling  is 
large. 

Treatment. — The  treatment  of  umbilical  hernia  is 
not  dfficuilt  and  is  usually  followed  by  good  results. 
As  in  all  other  forms  of  rupture,  surroundings  that 
may  cause  this  class  of  injuries  should  be  avoided. 

The  treatment  is  surgical  and  as  follows :  The  pig 
is  placed  on  its  back  and  held  by  the  assistant.  With 
the  fingers,  the  size  and  position  of  the  navel  opening 
is  determined,  and  if  the  intestines  do  not  pass  back 
into  the  abdominal  cavity  of  their  own  accord,  they 
must  be  forced  back  with  the  fingers.  After  getting 
rid  of  the  contents  of  the  sack,  it  is  held  by  the 
assistant  and  a  strong  cord  tied  around  its  base  close 
up  to  the  opening  into  it.     Within  a  short  time  the 


100  DISEASES      OF      SWINE 

cord  causes  the  tissues  to  swell  and  close  the  open- 
ing. As  the  blood  supply  to  the  sack  is  cut  off,  the 
part  sloughs  away  in  a  short  time. 

The  simple  ligature,  as  above  described,  answers 
very  well  for  a  small  rupture,  but  in  case  the  swelling 
is  large  a  multiple  ligature  must  be  used.  The  pro- 
cedure differs  slightly  when  this  is  used.  The  sack 
and  the  skin  in  the  region  of  the  sack  are  first  washed 
with  a  disinfectant.  The  instruments  needed  for  the 
operation  are  a  strong  curved  needle  and  a  pair  of 
scissors.  The  needle  carrying  the  heavy  linen  thread 
or  ligature  that  has  been  lying  in  the  disinfectant 
solution,  is  passed  through  the  base  of  the  sack  close 
to  the  belly,  the  thread  is  then  divided  and  each  half 
is  tied  separately,  or,  one  half  of  the  thread  is  cut 
close  to  the  needle,  and  the  needle  carrying  the  other 
half  again  passed  through  the  sack  a  short  distance 
from  the  part  included  in  the  first  ligature.  This  is 
repeated  until  the  necessary  number  of  stitches  have 
been  taken.  The  ends  of  the  stitches  are  then  tied. 
The  assistant  should  pull  slightly  on  the  hernial  sack, 
so  as  to  enable  the  operator  to  place  the  stitches  close 
to  the  opening. 

In  case  of  adhesions  between  the  contents  and  wall 
of  the  sack,  as  may  occur  in  hernia  of  long  standing, 
it  cannot  be  reduced  in  the  usual  way.  In  such  cases, 
it  is  necessary  to  cut  through  the  walls  of  the  sack 
and  break  down  the  adhesions  Avith  the  fingers.  The 
opening  is  then  closed  by  stitching  across  it  from 
margain  to  margin.  The  parts  and  the  instruments 
used   in  the  operation   must  be   carefully  disinfected, 


SURGICAL    DISEASES  lOI 

as  there  is  danger  of  introducing  germs  into  the  ab- 
dominal cavity  and  causing  the  hog  to  die  of  peri- 
tonitis. The  after  treatment  consists  in  keeping  the 
pig  in  a  separate  pen,  away  from  the  other  hogs,  and 
washing  the  part  once  a  day  for  a  few  days  with  a 
disinfectant  in  order  to  promote  heaHng. 

SCROTAL  OR  INGUINAL  HERNIA 

Scrotal  hernia  occurs  in  the  male,  the  intestines 
passing  through  the  wide  inguinal  canal  together 
with  the  cord  of  the  testicle  and  become  lodged  in 
the  scrotum.  It  is  not  difficult  to  recognize  this  form 
of  rupture,  as  the  enlargement  of  the  scrotum  is 
usually  quite  noticeable.  It  is  sometimes  so  large  that 
it  drags  on  the  ground.  These  large  ruptures  occur 
when  the  inguinal  canal  is  wide  and  roomy,  and  when 
both  sides  of  the  scrotum  contain  intestines  or  the 
rupture  is  a  double  one.  The  nature  of  the  swelling 
or  enlargement  can  be  readily  recognized  by  raising 
the  hind  parts  of  the  pig,  wdien  the  intestines  will 
gravitate  back  into  the  abdominal  cavity,  but  as  soon 
as  the  pig  regains  its  feet,  they  again  return  to  the 
scrotum.  The  testicles  can  be  felt  toward  the  bot- 
tom of  the  enlargement. 

This  condition  is  more  apt  to  occur  when  a  la^-ge 
number  of  hogs  are  allow^ed  to  run  together,  if  they 
crowd  one  another  in  narrow  doorways  and  at  the 
feed  trough,  or  pile  up  in  their  sleeping  quarters. 
The  canal  is  so  roomy  and  loose  that  it  is  uncommon 
for  the  intestines  to  become  pressed  on  in  such  a  way 
as  to  become  strangfulated.     However,  the  thriftiness 


102  DISEASES     OF     SWINE 

of  the  animal  is  greatly  interfered  with  and  it  may 
become  badly  stunted. 

Treatment. — To  relieve  a  scrotal  hernia,  it  is  nec- 
essary to  castrate  the  hog.  The  pig  should  be  starved 
for  about  a  day,  as  it  is  easier  to  operate  when  the 
intestines  are  empty,  or  nearly  so.  In  small  pigs  this 
is  not  so  important. 

What  is  known  as  the  covered  operation  is  to  be 
preferred  in  most  cases.  The  procedure  is  as  fol- 
lows :  It  is  best  to  hang  the  pig  up  by  the  hind  legs, 
or  have  the  assistant  hold  it  in  this  position  in  order 
to  relieve  the  pressure  on  the  scrotum  and  help  in 
returning  the  intestines.  A  needle,  ligature,  operat- 
ing knife  or  scalpel  and  scissors  are  the  instruments 
necessary  for  the  operation.  These  should  be  disin- 
fected before  beginning  to  operate  and  kept  in  a  dis- 
'infectant  when  not  in  use.  The  scrotum  is  first 
washed  and  disinfected  and  an  incision  made  in  its 
walls.  The  incision  should  be  made  down  to  the 
covering  of  the  testicle  (tunica  vaginalis).  This  must 
be  done  carefully  so  as  to  avoid  cutting  through  the 
tunic.  The  opening  in  the  scrotum  must  be  plenty 
large  enough  to  enable  the  operator  to  draw  the  tes- 
ticle and  its  coverings  outside  the  sack,  and  give  him 
room  to  work.  A  needle  carrying  a  ligature  is  passed 
through  the  cord  and  tunic  as  high  up  as  possible, 
the  needle  removed  and  the  parts  ligated.  The  cord 
and  its  covering  are  then  cut  off  about  half  an  inch 
above  the  ligature.  This  completely  closes  the  ab- 
dominal cavity  and  there  is  no  chance  for  the  hernia 
to  again  occur. 


SURGICAL  DISEASES  IO3 

The  open  operation  is  sometimes  performed.  The 
rupture  is  reduced  in  the  usual  way.  An  incision  is 
then  made  the  same  as  in  castration  and  the  testicle 
removed.  To  close  the  inguinal  canal,  a  number  of 
stitches  are  taken  across  the  external  opening.  In 
addition,  the  scrotum  is  sometimes  packed  with  some 
sort  of  material  and  the  incision  closed  with  sutures. 
Precautions  should  be  taken  against  germ  infection. 
This  operation  is  more  difficult  and  less  satisfactory 
than  the  covered  operation. 

VENTRAL  HERNIA 

Scrotal  and  umbilical  hernias  are  due  to  the  dila- 
tion of  openings  already  present.  All  other  forms 
caused  by  a  break  or  tear  in  the  abdominal  walls,  but 
not  in  the  skin,  are  called  ventral  hernise. 

Ventral  hernia  is  caused  by  injuries  to  and  pres- 
sure on  the  abdominal  walls.  It  may  occur  as  a  re- 
sult of  kicks  and  collisions  with  blunt  objects.  Tear- 
ing and  stretching  of  the  tissues  may  also  occur  when 
hogs  crowd  one  another  and  pile  up  around  straw 
stacks,  and  in  their  sleeping  quarters.  A  weak,  de- 
bilitated condition  predisposes  them  to  this  class  of 
injuries. 

The  appearance  and  character  of  the  swelHng  is 
much  the  same  as  in  other  ruptures.  The  size  varies 
greatly.  When  the  injury  is  caused  by  a  kick  or 
collision,  a  local  inflammation  is  present.  As  ventral 
hernia  is  commonly  caused  by  crowding  and  squeez- 
ing, a  common  seat  is  on  the  inside  of  the  flank,  the 
swelling  extending  backward  between  the  thighs  and 


104  DISEASES      OF     SWINE 

resembles  to  some  extent  a  scrotal  rupture.  In  these 
cases  the  tear  in  the  tissues  is  usually  long  and  the 
swelling  large  and  easily  reduced. 

Treatment. — The  treatment  is  more  difficult  and 
less  satisfactory  than  in  other  forms  of  rupture.  In 
cases  of  long  standing,  it  is  not  uncommon  for  the 
intestines  to  adhere  to  the  hernial  sack.  This  condi- 
tion makes  the  reduction  of  the  hernia  difficult,  and 
it  is  necessary  to  use  care  in  cutting  through  the 
walls  of  the  sack  and  in  breaking  down  the  adhesions 
in  order  to  avoid  injuring  the  intestines. 

The  hog  is  held  in  the  best  position  possible  for 
the  reduction  of  the  rupture,  usually  on  its  back  with 
the  hind  parts  elevated.  The  incision  in  the  sack 
should  be  large,  so  as  to  give  the  operator  room  to 
work.  If  adhesions  between  the  sack  and  the  intes- 
tines are  present,  they  should  be  carefully  broken 
down  and  the  intestines  returned  into  the  abdominal 
cavity.  The  edges  of  the  tear  or  opening  should  be 
freshened  by  cutting,  or  scraping  them  with  a  scalpel 
in  order  to  promote  healing.  The  opening  should 
then  be  closed  with  stitches,  well  placed  and  close 
together,  so  as  to  insure  their  holding  and  keeping 
the  margins  of  the  tear  in  apposition.  Boric  acid  can 
be  dusted  over  the  part  and  the  hernial  sack  packed 
with  antiseptic  gauze,  and  the  incision  in  the  sack 
closed  by  a  few  stitches.  The  packing  must  be 
changed  daily  and  the  part  washed  with  disinfectants 
until  healed.  The  stitches  may  then  be  removed.  In 
of>erating  the  usual  care  against  germ  infection 
should  be  practiced.  Keeping  the  hog  quiet  and  in  a 
clean  pen  is  the  necessary  part  of  the  treatment. 


SURGICAL    DISEASES  IO5 

CASTRATION 

The  castration  of  the  boar  is  a  very  simple  opera- 
tion and  is  not  followed  by  complications  when  prop- 
erly performed,  as  is  frequently  the  case  in  some  of 
the  other  farm  animals.  Pigs  of  all  ages  and  in  all 
kinds  of  condition  are  castrated.  The  age  at  which 
it  is  best  to  operate  is  not  fully  agreed  upon,  but  a 
large  number  of  swine  breeders  prefer  to  do  this 
work  when  the  pigs  are  still  nursing,  or  wait  until 
some  time  after  they  are  weaned.  However,  they 
seem  to  suffer  less  from  the  operation  before  they  are 
weaned  than  when  older,  and  it  is  especially  apt  to 
check  their  growth,  if  done  at  weaning  time. 

The  operation  is  frequently  performed  under  very 
unfavorable  conditions  for  healing  to  occur.  It  is 
too  often  made  a  rainy  day  job  and  the  pigs  are 
afterward  turned  into  muddy,  filthy  pens.  Such  con- 
ditions as  these  favor  the  infection  of  the  wound  with 
injurious  germs,  and  healing  is  interfered  with  by 
the  formation  of  pus  and  the  inflammation  of  the 
part.  This  is  especially  apt  to  occur  during  the  warm 
weather. 

It  is  unnecessary  to  prepare  young  pigs  for  the 
operation.  If  operated  on  after  weaning  time,  they 
should  be  prepared  by  not  allowing  them  food  for  at 
least  twelve  hours.  The  stomach  and  intestines  are 
not  distended  with  food,  when  prepared  in  this  way, 
and  the  pigs  are  easier  to  handle.  We  should  always 
handle  young  pigs  carefully  in  order  to  avoid  injur- 
ing them,  or  getting  them  warmed  up.     This  latter 


106  DISEASES      OF      SWINE 

3 

condition  may  increase  the  danger  from  bleeding,  and 
is  apt  to  give  them  a  set  back. 

When  everything  is  convenient  and  the  pigs  are 
confined  in  small  pens  where  they  can  be  easily 
caught,  one  assistant  will  be  able  to  catch  and  hold 
the  pigs  for  the  operator.  There  are  different  meth- 
ods of  holding  them.  Usually,  the  hind  limbs  are 
grasped  with  the  hands  and  the  head  and  fore  limbs 
are  held  between  the  knees.  The  pig  is  sometimes 
laid  on  its  side  or  back,  and  the  hind  limbs  are  drawn 
well  forward  and  held  with  the  hands.  Large  hogs 
are  sometimes  very  hard  to  hold,  and  it  may  be  neces- 
sary to  tie  their  limbs  in  order  to  prevent  them  from 
struggling  and  getting  away.  It  is  best  to  place  a 
grown  animal  on  its  side,  rest  one  knee  on  the  side  of 
the  head  and  neck,  and  draw  the  hind  limbs  as  far 
forward  as  possible. 

The  operator  should  provide  himself  with  the 
necessary  instruments,  solutions,  etc.,  before  begin- 
ning to  operate.  He  should  have  plenty  of  disin- 
fectant (four  per  cent,  water  solution  of  a  tar  disin- 
fectant) in  a  clean  pail,  a  good  castrating  knife, 
needles,  suture  thread,  and  absorbent  cotton  or  jute. 
The  instruments  can  be  kept  clean  by  dropping  them 
into  the  disinfectant  wash  when  not  in  use.  The 
skin  of  the  scrotum  should  be  first  cleaned  with  the 
disinfectant.  The  testicle  is  then  grasped  between 
the  thumb  and  finger  and  pushed  against  the  wall  of 
the  pouch,  an  incision  is  made  in  the  scrotum  paral- 
lel with  the  middle  line  or  raphe  and  from  half  an 
inch  to  an  inch  and  a  half  to  one  side,  the  covering 


SURGICAL    DISEASES  lO^- 

of  the  testicle  incised  and  the  testicle  removed.  Th^ 
incision  should  be  large  enough  to  allow  the  testicle 
to  drop  out,  and  made  with  one  stroke  of  the  knife. 
When  the  hog  is  on  his  side,  the  lower  testicle  should 
be  removed  first.  In  young  pigs  the  cord  is  usually 
severed  by  giving  the  testicle  a  quick  jerk,  but  in 
older  animals  it  is  best  to  pull  the  cord  well  out  and 
sever  it  by  scraping  with  the  edge  of  the  knife. 
Other  methods  of  severing  the  cord  are  tying  a  liga- 
ture around  it  before  cutting  it  off  and  using  the 
emasculator — an  instrument  that  crushes  as  well  as 
cuts  the  tissues.  These  latter  methods  are  practical 
in  grown  animals  and  when  the  cord  is  large.  How- 
ever, the  emasculator  can  be  used  to  an  advantage  in 
all  cases.  The  operation  is  then  repeated  on  the  op- 
posite side. 

Before  letting  the  pig  loose,  the  incisions  in  the 
scrotum  should  be  examined,  and  if  they  do  not 
extend  to  the  lowest  part  of  the  pouch,  should  be 
made  longer.  This  allows  the  blood  and  pus  to  drain 
off,  instead  of  collecting  in  the  part.  Some  precau- 
tions should  be  taken  for  a  few  days  against  the 
wound  becoming  dirty.  The  pigs  should  not  be  al- 
lowed to  wallow  in  the  mud  and  sleep  in  dirty^  dusty 
places.  If  the  conditions  are  favorable,  the  wound 
will  heal  rapidly  and  require  no  after  treatment. 

The  belief  that  it  is  unnecessary  to  take  the  above 
precautions  is  only  too  common.  It  is  because  of  this 
and  the  careless  way  in  which  the  operation  is  per- 
formed, that  complications  so  frequently  follow. 


I08  DISEASES      OF      SWINE 

COMPLICATIONS  FOLLOWING  CASTRATION 

Castration  of  the  male  is  not  free  from  complica- 
tions. These  are  hemorrhage  from  the  blood  vessels 
in  the  cord,  rupture,  abscesses  and  fibrous  tumors. 
Peritonitis  seldom  occurs  from  this  cause. 

Hemorrhage  is  not  a  dangerous  complication  in 
young  hogs,  as  the  blood  vessels  in  the  cord  are  so 
small  that  they  soon  become  closed  by  a  clot.  There 
may  be  considerable  bleeding  from  the  incision  in  the 
scrotum,  if  the  pigs  become  warmed  up  in  catching 
them,  but  this  is  never  dangerous.  In  old  hogs  the 
blood  vessels  in  the  cord  are  larger,  and  a  serious 
hemorrhage  may  occur  if  the  cut  ends  of  the  vessels 
are  not  crushed  sufficiently  to  close  them  and  hasten 
the  formation  of  a  clot.  As  well  as  endangering  the 
animal's  life,  bleeding  may  weaken  and  check  the 
grow^th  of  the  pig. 

Bleeding  from  the  cord  can  be  stopped  best  by  tak- 
ing up  the  stump  end  and  ligating  it.  Another 
method  is  to  pack  the  scrotum  with  absorbent  cotton 
and  sew  up  the  incision  in  its  walls.  The  cotton 
should  not  be  removed  for  about  twenty-four  hours, 
as  it  takes  fully  this  long  for  a  clot  to  form  and  the 
danger  from  bleeding  to  be  over. 

Hernia  rarely  occurs  as  a  complication  of  castra- 
tion. When  it  does,  it  is  due  to  a  roomy  inguinal 
canal,  or  to  injuring  the  animal  while  handling  it. 
The  operator  should  be  prepared  to  meet  this  condi- 
tion whether  it  occurs  as  a  result  of  castration,  or  is 
present  at  the  time  the  operation  is  performed.     The 


SURGICAL    DISEASES 


109 


methods  of  relieving-  this  condition  are  described 
under  the  head  of  scrotal  and  ventral  herni^e. 

Growths  or  tumor  formations  in  the  scrotum  and 
at  the  end  of  the  cord  are  common  when  castration 
is  not  properly  performed.  A  common  mistake  made 
by  the  operator  is  to  cut  too  small  an  opening  in  the 
scrotum.  This  does  not  permit  the  pus  and  other 
secretions  to  drain  off,  and  the  parts  become  in- 
flamed. Other  causes  are  leaving  the  cord  too  long 
and  infection  with  irritating  germs.  Tumors  in  this 
region  can  be  considered  a  serious  complication,  as 
they  interfere  with  growth  and  may  cause  the  death 
of  the  pig.  They  can  be  largely  prevented  by  avoid- 
ing the  above  causes  and  seldom  occur  when  the  cas- 
tration is  performed  properly. 

The  treatment  consists  in  dissecting  out  the  tumor. 
This  is  a  very  painful  operation  and  the  pig  may 
die  shortly  after  the  tumor  has  been  removed,  espe- 
cially if  the  growth  is  large.  However,  the  results 
are  usually  good  when  the  operation  is  skillfully  per- 
formed, or  if  the  tumor  is  small.  In  all  cases,  if  not 
completely  removed,  it  is  apt  to  grow  again  and  give 
more  trouble  than  at  first. 

CASTRATION  OR  CRYPTORCHIDS  OR  "  ORIG- 
INALS " 

In  the  "  original  "  pig,  the  testicles,  one  or  both, 
fail  to  descend  through  the  inguinal  canal  and  make 
their  appearance  in  the  scrotum.  Usually,  but  one 
testicle  does  not  descend  into  the  scrotum  and  it  may 


no  DISEASES      OF      SWINE 

be  found  in  any  part  of  the  abdominal  cavity,  but  in 
most  cases  is  situated  in  the  region  of  the  flank. 
'*  Originals  "  are  the  cause  of  a  great  deal  of  annoy- 
ance in  the  hog  lot,  and  unless  they  are  castrated, 
should  be  taken  out  of  the  herd  and  disposed  of  in 
some  way.  Their  castration  is  more  difficult  than 
that  of  the  ''straight"  pig,  but  is  not  as  difficult  or 
dangerous  as  is  commonly  believed,  and  in  most  cases 
the  operation  is  very  successful. 

The  method  of  operating  is  as  follows :  The  hog 
should  be  starved  for  at  least  twelve  hours.  The 
operator's  hands  must  be  clean,  and  the  disinfectant 
solution  and  instruments  are  gotten  ready  the  same 
as  in  castrating  a  "  straight  "  pig.  The  animal  is  laid 
on  its  side  on  the  floor,  or  a  table,  and  held  there  by 
the  assistant.  The  operator  stands  at  the  back  and 
clips  the  hair  from  the  flank.  An  incision  is  then 
made  in  the  flank,  well  toward  the  upper  part  and 
midway  between  the  last  rib  and  the  point  of  the 
haunch.  The  incision  should  be  large  enough  to  per- 
mit two  or  more  fingers  to  enter  the  abdominal 
cavity,  and,  if  necessary,  may  be  enlarged  so  as  to 
admit  the  hand.  On  finding  the  testicle,  it  is  drawn 
through  the  incision  and  the  cord  cut  off  in  the  usual 
manner. 

It  is  always  best  to  use  an  emasculator,  or  ligate 
the  cord  before  cutting  it  off,  if  the  hog  is  well 
grown.  After  the  testicle  has  been  removed,  the  in- 
cision is  closed  by  a  number  of  stitches  in  the  skin 
about  an  inch  apart.  The  after  treatment  consists  in 
keeping  the  wound  clean  for  a  few  days  and  remov- 


SURGICAL  DISEASES  III 

ing  the  stitches  in  about  a  week.  In  case  the  "  ridg- 
Hng  "  is  a  double  one, ,  the  operation  is  repeated  on 
the  opposite  side. 

SPAYING— OVARIOTOMY 

The  spaying  of  the  sow  is  not  practiced  as  exten- 
sively at  present  as  it  was  ten  or  twenty  years  ago. 
Of  late  years  the  operation  has  been  made  unneces- 
sary by  the  marketing  of  the  sow  at  the  age  of  six 
or  eight  months,  unless  it  is  in  special  cases.  We 
occasionally  come  across  a  person  who  still  believes 
in  the  practice  of  spaying,  but  the  large  majority  of 
swine  breeders  consider  it  of  no  value. 

The  proper  age  to  spay  is  when  the  sow  is  three 
or  four  months  old,  as  at  this  age  she  is  not  suffi- 
ciently developed  to  take  the  boar,  is  easily  handled 
and  but  little  inconvenienced  by  the  operation.  The 
sow  should  be  prepared  for  the  operation  by  not  feed- 
ing her  for  about  twelve  hours,  or  long  enough  to 
partially  empty  the  intestines  so  that  they  will  not 
interfere  with  the  operation. 

The  flank  operation  is  to  be  preferred  to  the  one 
on  the  median  line,  and  the  procedure  is  very  much 
the  same  as  in  castrating  an  "  original."  The  sow 
is  laid  on  an  inclined  board  or  table,  the  hind  parts 
more  elevated  than  the  foreparts,  and  held  by  the 
assistant.  The  operator  should  supply  himself  with 
the  necessary  instruments  and  material,  such  as 
operating  knife,  scissors,  needles,  suture  thread,  dis- 
infectant, etc.  A  special  shaped  knife  is  recom- 
mended for  making  the  incision  in  the  flank,  but  an 


112  DISEASES      OF      SWINE 

ordinary  castrating  knife  or  bistoury  will  answer  the 
purpose.  Linen  thread  may  be  used  for  suture  materi- 
al, and  a  strong  half-curved  surgeon's  needle  is  best 
for  sewing  up  the  incision  in  the  flank.  A  small  bitch 
emasculator  is  to  be  preferred  for  cutting  off  the 
ovaries.  The  instruments  should  be  kept  in  the  dis- 
infectant solution  when  not  in  use.  The  operator's 
hands  must  be  clean  and  the  seat  of  the  operation 
washed  with  the  solution. 

The  operator  stands  at  the  back  of  the  sow.  The 
hair  is  first  clipped  from  the  skin  at  the  point  where 
the  incision  is  made,  high  up  in  the  flank  and  mid- 
way between  the  point  of  the  haunch  and  the  last  rib. 
The  incision  in  the  part  should  be  large  enough  to 
admit  two  fingers,  and  in  the  same  direction  as  the 
long  axis  of  the  body,  or  across  it.  The  latter  direc- 
tion is  to  be  preferred.  After  tearing  through  the 
peritoneum,  one  or  two  fingers  are  introduced  into 
the  abdominal  cavity  and  directed  toward  the  back. 
If  the  ovaries  are  not  easily  located,  the  womb  should 
be  located  and  followed  forward  until  the  fingers 
come  in  contact  with  the  ovaries.  These  organs  can 
be  readily  recognized  by  the  way  they  feel — firm  and 
rough.  The  ovary  is  then  pulled  through  the  open- 
ing in  the  flank  and  removed  by  tearing  it  off  with 
the  fingers,  or  better,  by  cutting  it  off  with  an  emas- 
culator. The  flank  incision  is  then  closed  by  the 
necessary  number  of  stitches. 

Both  ovaries  may  be  removed  through  the  same 
opening,  or  the  operation  repeated  on  the  opposite 
side. 


SURGICAL  DISEASES  113 

When  the  operation  is  performed  on  the  median 
line,  a  small  rope  is  tied  around  each  hock  and 
the  sow  hung  up  with  a  gambrel.  A  small  in- 
cision is  then  made  on  the  middle  line  of  the 
abdomen,  two  or  three  inches  in  front  of  the  pubis. 
The  ovaries  are  then  removed  in  the  usual  way, 
and  the  incision  closed  by  the  necessavy  number 
of  stitches. 


PROLAPSE  OF  THE  ANUS 

Permanent  protrusion  of  the  lining  membrane 
of  the  rectum  through  the  anal  opening  is  called 
a  prolapse  of  the  anus.  This  condition  is  not  un- 
common in  growing  pigs.  Pigs  having  access  to 
cinder  piles,  soft  coal,  etc.,  frequently  suffer  from 
this  ailment.  It  is  also  common  in  pigs  that  eat 
rotten  wood  and  earth.  Constipation,  diarrhoea, 
or  any  condition  that  may  bring  about  a  weakened 
condition  of  the  spincter  muscle  of  the  anus  will 
cause  it. 

Symptoms.— In  some  cases  only  a  small  portion 
of  the  rectal  mucous  membrane  makes  its  appear- 
ance outside  of  the  anus.  In  more  severe  cases  a 
fair-sized  tumor,  round,  red,  and  slightly  painful, 
is  present.  After  being  exposed  for  a  time,  it 
becomes  swollen  and  dark  colored,  and,  finally, 
dried  and  cracked  on  its  surface.  The  prolapsed 
part  may  itch  intensely,  and  the  hog  rubs  and  In^ 
jures  the  tissues  in  trying  to  reheve  the  irritation 
Usually   the   appetite   falls   off   and   the   pig   is   rest 


114  DISEASES      OF      SWINE 

less.  If  not  relieved,  the  prolapsed  part  sloughs 
off  in  time. 

Treatment. — The  preventive  measures  consist 
in  correcting  at  the  proper  time  such  disorders  as 
may  cause  the  disease. 

When  the  pig  is  constipated,  as  is  usually  the 
case,  it  should  be  given  a  laxative  and  fed  a 
sloppy  diet.  The  rectal  mucous  membrane  should 
be  bathed  with  warm  water  until  cleaned,  and  the 
irritation  relieved  before  replacing  it.  If  badly 
swollen  and  inflamed,  an  astringent  wash  (a  five 
per  cent,  water  solution  of  powdered  alum)  should 
be  used.  It  can  then  be  returned  by  pressing  it 
within  the  anal  opening  with  the  fingers.  If 
necessary,  a  stitch  can  be  taken  across  the  anal 
opening  to  retain  the  prolapsed  part.  In  case 
the  tissues  show  indication  of  sloughing,  they 
should  be  cut  off  and  the  cut  edge  of  the  mucous 
membrane   sutured   to   the   margin  of   the   anus. 


PART  III 
INFECTIOUS    DISEASES 


A.         IX. 


<    .1^ 


INFECTIOUS   DISEASES 

HOG  CHOLERA 

Hog  Cholera  Is  a  common  infectious  disease  of 
swine,  characterized  by  an  inflammation  and  ul- 
ceration of  the  stomach  and  intestines,  enlarged 
and  inflamed  condition  of  the  lymphatic  glands, 
and  sloughing  of  portions  of  the  skin.  The  name 
hog  cholera  is  frequently  applied  to  a  class  of 
infectious  diseases  in  which  the  symptoms  re- 
semble each  other.  The  investigation  carried  on 
by  the  Bureau  of  Animal  Industry  show  that 
there  are  three  diseases  'belonging  to  this  class: 
hog  cholera  and  swine  plague,  with  which  swine 
breeders  are  well  acquainted,  and  a  third  that 
resembles   the   acute   form   of  hog   cholera. 

The  annual  loss  from  the  so-called  hog  cholera 
epidemics  has  been  estimated  at  from  $10,000,000 
to  $25,000,000,  and  in  some  years  investigators 
have  estimated  the  loss  at  double  the  latter 
amount.  In  the  Twentieth  Annual  Report  of  the 
Bureau  of  Animal  Industry,  the  per  cent,  of  loss 
from  disease  in  the  different  farm  animals  is  given 
for  the  year  ending  in  March,  1904.  The  per  cent, 
of  loss  in  hogs  is  about  twice  that  of  other  ani- 
mals, due  no  doubt  to  epidemic  infectious  diseases. 

History.^^Most  writers  believe  that  hog  cholera 
was  first  introducted  into  the  United  States  througli 

117 


Il8  DISEASES      OF      SWINE 

the  importation  of  diseased  animals  from  England, 
the^  same  as  in  a  number  of  other  animal  diseases. 
The  early  history  of  the  disease  in  this  country 
is  hot  very  definite. 

The  first  supposed  outbreak  of  hog  cholera  oc- 
curred in  Ohio  in  1838.  During  the  next  ten  or 
fifteen  years  scattering  outbreaks  occurred  in  the 
states  bordering  on  Ohio  and  in  the  South.  Dur- 
ing the  next  period  in  the  history  of  this  disease, 
from  1845  to  i860,  it  became  thoroughly  planted 
in  all  parts  of  the  country,  where  hog  raising  was 
followed  to  any  great  extent,  through  the  move- 
ment of  animals  from  one  part  of  the  country  to 
another. 

Although  its  importance  and  contagious  char- 
acter were  recognized  at  an  early  period,  no  eflfort 
was  made  to  prevent  it  from  spreading.  At  that 
time  veterinarians  and  stockmen  were  not  ac- 
quainted with  the  nature  of  the  contagion,  and 
the  modern  methods  of  dealing  with  such  diseases, 
and  the  opportunity  to  stamp  out  hog  cholera  at 
a  time  when  it  might  have  been  successfully  con- 
trolled, was  lost. 

Causes. — The  specific  cause  is  the  'bacillus  of 
hog  cholera,  discovered  and  described  by  the 
Bureau  of  Animal  Industry  in  1885.  It  is  a  small 
rod-shaped  germ  having  rounded  ends  and  from 
.00005  to  .00006  of  an  inch  in  length  and  .0000028 
of  an  inch  in  breadth.  It  is  usually  present  in 
large  numbers  in  th^  blood  and  diseased  tissues 
of  an  animal  that  has  died  of  the  disease. 


INFECTIOUS    DISEASES  1 19 

The  germ  is  motile  and  grows  readily  in  the 
laboratory  on  the  different  kinds  of  nutrient  media, 
especially  in  alkaline  ones  kept  at  the  body  tem- 
perature. It  grows  in  the  presence  or  absence  of 
oxygen  and  does  not  form  spores.  It  does  not 
liquefy  gelatine  or  produce  any  specific  odor. 

Accessory  Causes.— The  wide  prevalence  of  this 
disease  can  be  acounted  for  by  the  unliygenic  con- 
ditions existing  in  the  hog  houses  and  their  sur- 
roundings. Filthy  hog  houses  and  yards  are  the 
usual  centers  of  infection  in  a  community,  and 
when  the  germs  become  planted  among  such  sur- 
roundings they  may  live  for  several  months  and 
remain   active  or-^rulent. 

Experiments  conducted  in  order  to  determine 
how  the  germs  find  their  way  into  the  body,  show 
that  they  usually  enter  by  way  of  the  digestive 
tract,  along  with  the  food  and  water;  hence  un- 
sanitary surroundings  play  an  important  part  in 
the  spreading  of  the  disease.  Overcrowded  hog 
houses  and  muddv  yards  are  favorable  conditions 
for  infection.  Feeding  the  hogs  in  the  mud  or  on 
filthy  feeding  floors,  and  watering  them  m  dirty 
troughs,  or  from  ponds  and  streams,  are  common 
sources  of  the  disease. 

Hog  cholerc  is  frequently  spread  by  exhibitmg 
hogs  at  stock  shows  and  fairs  where  they  may 
have  an  oportunity  to  come  in  contact  with  the 
germs  of  the  dig  ase  in  the  pens,  or  when  shipped 
in  stock  or  exp/  ess  cars.  Buying  hogs  from  dis- 
eased h^rds  is  J  so  a  common  source  of  contagion. 


I20  DISEASES      OF      SWINE 

When  an  outbreak  occurs  in  a  neighborhood, 
precautions  against  the  spread  of  the  disease  to 
neighboring  herds  are  not  taken,  and  it  becomes 
distributed  about  by  people,  dogs,  and  other  farm 
animals,  b*irds,  etc.  Swine  breeders,  as  a  rule,  do 
not  recognize  the  danger  of  carrying  the  germs 
in  the  mud  and  filth  that  may  accumulate  on  the 
shoes  of  a  person  who  has  walked  through  yards 
where  hogs  are  dying  of  hog  cholera.  Dogs, 
horses,  cattle  and  wagons  may  act  as  carriers  of 
the  germ  in  the  same  manner.  Pigeons,  because 
of  their  habit  of  feeding  in  the  hog  lots  in  differ- 
ent parts  of  the  neighborhood,  are  also  carriers 
of  the  germ.  The  opportunity  for  crows,  buz- 
zards and  dogs  to  distribute  the  disease  is  not 
great  in  sections  of  the  country  where  the  car- 
casses of  the  dead  hogs  are  disposed  of  by  burn- 
ing or  burying. 

The  drainage  from  infected  yards  is  a  dangerous 
source  of  infection.  Streams  running  through  an 
infected  district  may  distribute  the  disease  to  all 
hog  lots  bordering  on  its  banks.  If  the  hogs' 
water  supply  comes  from  such  a  source,  or  the 
animals  allowed  to  wallow  in  the  stream,  disease  is 
almost  sure   to  occur. 

Age  is  an  important  predisposirg  factor  in 
young  hogs,  and  may  be  greatly  increased  by 
crowding  them  into  too  close  quarters  and  by 
feeding  an  unsuitable  ration.  The  ft'i'ding  of  a 
one-sided  ration  of  corn  does  not  meet  ihe  needs 
of   the   system    in   growing   animals,    and    thoy    soon 


INFECTIOUS    DISEASES  121 

lose  their  vigor  and  may  show  unthriftiness.  This 
is  no  doubt  one  cause  for  the  disease  being  so 
prevalent  in   the   corn-belt. 

Period  of  Incubation. — The  shortest  period  of 
incubation  is  two  days,  the  longest  three  or  four 
weelcs.  This  depends  on  the  susceptibility  of  the 
animals,  the  activity  of  the  germ  and  the  manner 


FIG.    12 — A    COLERA    HOG 

of  infection.  An  acute  attack  indicates  a  short 
period  and  a  mild  or  chronic  one  a  long  period. 
Usually,  from  one  to  two  weeks  will  elapse  from 
the  time  the  animal  is  exposed  until  it  comes 
down  with  the  disease. 

Symptoms. — Three   different    forms   of   hog   chol- 
era occur,  and  for  this  reason  the  disease  does  not 


122 


DISEASES      OF      SWINE 


present  a  specific  set  of  symptoms.  The  symp- 
toms can  be  divided  into  acute,  subacute  and 
chronic. 

In  the  acute  form,  which  is  the  most  common, 
an  elevation  in  the  body  temperature  of  from  one 
to  three  degrees,  marked  depression  and  loss  of 
appetite  are  among  the  first  symptoms.  /Vomiting 
may  also  occur.  In  some  cases  there  is  an  in- 
clination to  eat  earth  and  other  indigestible  sub- 


FIG.    13 — A   CHOLERA   PIG 

stances.  Usually,  the  hog  goes  off  by  itself  and 
hunts  a  cool,  quiet  place  and  lies  down,  or  bur- 
rows under  the  litter  and  hides.  Tremors  sug- 
gestive of  a  chilling  of  the  body  may  be  noticed. 
The  inflammation  of  the  intestines  and  soreness 
of  the  abdominal  walls  cause  the  hog  to  arch  the 
back,  carry  the  hind  parts  stiffly,  stagger,  and  cross 
the  hind  feet  when  it  moves  about. 


INFECTIOUS    DISEASES  I23 

As  in  all  serious  febrile  disturbances,  the  secre- 
tion from  the  lining  membrane  of  the  eyelids  is 
increased.  At  first  the  secretion  is  watery,  but 
soon  becomes  heavy  and  pus-like.  It  accumulates 
on  the  margins  of  the  lids,  causing  them  to  adhere 
together.  There  is  also  an  increase  in  the  skin 
secretions.  These  become  mixed  with  the  dirt  and 
dust,  which  adheres  to  the  surface  of  the  skin  and 
gives  the  animal  a  dirty  appearance.  Red,  hem- 
orrhagic spots  or  blotches  may  appear  on  the  skin 
in  the  region  of  the  ears,  on  the  under  side  of  the 
neck  and  abdomen,  and  other  parts  of  the  body, 
but  unless  the  skin  is  light  colored,  this  symptom 
is  not  very  prominent.  Similar  spots  may  be  seen 
on  the  lips  and  the  lining  membrane  of  the  mouth. 

Early  in  the  attack  constipation  occurs  and  later 
a  diarrhoea,  or  a  diarrhoea  and  constipation  may 
alternate.  The  diarrhoeal  discharge  is  thin  and 
watery,  has  a  foetid  odor,  and  is  usually  dark  col- 
ored or  black. -y  Sometimes  it  is  mixed  with  blood. 
Hbwever,  the  color  of  the  feces  depends  somewhat 
on  the  kind  of  feed  the  animal  has  eaten,  and  if  fed 
mostly  on  corn,  the  evacuations  are  light  colored. 

The  respiration  and  pulse  beats  are  quickened. 
Thumps  sometimes  occur.  When  the  throat  is 
swollen  and  inflamed,  the  respirations  are  labored 
and  noisy.  The  symptoms  advance  rapidly.  The 
hog  becomes  very  weak  and  depressed  in  the  lat- 
ter stages  of  the  disease,  and  is  usually  found  deaa 
in  its  bed.  The  duration  of  the  acute  form  is 
from  two  days  to  two  weeks.    In  some  cases  death 


124  DISEASES      OF      SWINE 

occurs  without  our  noticing  previous  symptoms  of 
disease. 

The  usual  termination  is  death,  especially  in 
pigs.     It  may,  how^ever,  assume  the  chronic  form. 

In  the  subacute  form,  the  symptoms  may  be  so 
mild  as  to  escape  notice.  A  mild  train  of  symp- 
toms, similar  to  those  described  in  connection  with 
the  acute  form,  usually  occur.  These  are  a  fever- 
ish condition,  depression,  loss  of  appetire,  consti- 
pation and  diarrhoea.  Recovery  usually  occurs 
within  a  few  days.  It  may  take  on  a  chronic 
form. 

When  the  disease  persists  for  some  time  (from 
three  weeks  to  three  months)  it  is  spoken  of  as 
chronic.  In  such  cases  the  appetite  is  irregular 
and  the  animal  becomes  weak  and  unthrifty.  The 
stomach,  intestines  and  other  internal  organs  are 
diseased  and  the  symptoms  manifested  will  vary, 
but  are  usually  the  same  as  in  any  general  diseased 
conditions  of  the  body.  Young  hogs  become  badly 
stunted. 

The  inflamed,  hemorrhagic  blotches  on  the  skin 
become  dry,  hard  and  cracked,  and  soon  separate 
from  the  healthy  tissue  and  slough  off.  Large 
sores  may  form  on  the  back  and  other  parts  of 
the  body.  These  generally  heal  as  soon  as  the 
other  symptoms  are  relieved.  The  unthrifty  ap- 
pearance of  the  animal  is  greatly  increased  by  the 
thickened,  wrinkled  and  dirty  skin,  and  the  thin, 
dry  coat.  The  loss  of  the  tail  and  portions  of  the 
ears  add  greatly  to  the  changed  appearance.     Pigs 


INFECTIOUS  DISEASES  I25 

may  become  so  stunted  and  diseased  that  it  is  best 
to  destroy  them.     Death  often  occurs. 

Lesions.— The  diseased  changes  in  the  tissues 
depend  on  the  character  of  the  symptoms  and  the 
duration  of  the  disease. 

In  acute  cases  of  only  a  few  days'  duration, 
hemorrhagic  lesions  predominate.  The  lymphatic 
glands,  especially  those  in  the  region  of  the  intes- 
tines, are  a  deep  red  color  and  infiltrated  with 
blood.  The  spleen  may  also  be  engorged  with 
blood  k^d  softened.  Small,  red,  hemorrhagic  spots 
may  be  present  in  the  kidneys,  heart  and  other  in- 
ternal organs,  and  the  lining  membrane  of  the 
thoracic  and  abdominal  cavities  may  show  hem- 
orrhagic areas.  Inflamed  reddened  areas  on  the 
lining  membrane  of  the  stomach  and  intestines 
form  a  constant  lesion  of  disease.  Sometimes, 
these  hemorrhages  into  the  tissue  beneath  the 
mucous  membrane  are  so  great  as  to  raise  it  and 
give  it  a  thickened  appearance.  Lesions  of  the 
same  character  may  appear  in  the  skin  and  under- 
lying tissues,  and  in  light-skinned  hogs  these 
blotches  are  very  noticeable  and  become  more 
prominent  after  death.  They  are  so  characteristic 
that  meat  inspectors  can  identify  the  carcass  oi  a 
hog  having  had  hog  cholera,  when  hanging  upon 
the  gambrel  in  the  abattoir.  ^/ 

The  above  leisons  are  caused  by  the  hog  cholera 
bacilli  accumulating  in  the  capillary  blood  vessels, 
plugging  them  and  shutting  off  the  circulation  of 
blood  in   the  part.     The   involved   parts   soon   lose 


126  DISEASES      OF      SWINE 

their  vitality  and  slough  off.  Raised  ulcers  follow 
the  sloughing  in  the  stomach  and  intestines. 
These  are  among  the  most  characteristic  lesions 
of  the  disease  and  may  involve  a  large  part  of  the 
lining  membrane  of  the  small  intestine,  resemb- 
ling in  appearance  a  croupous  membrane.  The 
ulcers  may  be  confined  to  the  last  of  the  small 
intestine,  and  the  beginning  of  the  large  (region 
of  the  ileo-cecal  valve).  The  small  ulcers  are  cir- 
cular in  outline,  margins  irregular  and  slightly  de- 
pressed below  the  surface  of  the  mucous  mem- 
brane, and  brownish,  yellowish,  or  reddish  in  color. 
After  a  few  weeks  they  show  evidence  of  healing 
and  the  part  is  more  or  less  filled  in  with  scar 
tissue. 

The  liver  and  kidneys  may  show  indications  of 
having  undergone  degenerative  changes. 

The  lungs  may  be  involved  secondarily  and 
show  scattered,  inflamed  pneumonic  centers.  How- 
ever, this  is  not  a  constant  lesion,  and  when  the 
lungs  are  diseased  to  any  great  extent,  it  indicates 
the   presence  of  the   germ   of  swine   plague. 

Preventive  Treatment. — Preventive  measures  con- 
sist in  using  all  possible  precaution  against 
the  carrying  of  the  germs  of  the  disease  into  the 
hog  lots,  the  use  of  healthful,  sanitary  hog  houses 
and  surroundings,  and  in  keeping  the  herd  in  a 
healthy,  vigorous   condition. 

Hogs  from  other  herds  should  be  excluded  from 
the  hog  lots  until  we  are  positive  they  are  not 
diseased.     Such   animals   should   be   quarantined   in 


FIG,    14— A   PIECE   OF   INTESTINE    SHOWING    HOG    CHOLERA    ULCERS 


128  DISEASES     OF     SWINE 

yards  set  off  for  this  purpose,  and  that  do  not  in 
any  way  communicate  with  the  regular  yards. 
They  should  also  be  dipped  or  washed  with  a  tar 
disinfectant.  This  latter  precaution  is  necessary 
because  of  the  possibility  of  the  hogs  carrying  the 
germs  on  their  bodies  in  the  dirt  and  dust  coming 
from  infected  places.  The  quarantine  period 
should  be  somewhat  longer  than  the  average  pe- 
riod of  incubation.  Three  weeks  is  as  long  a  time 
as  necessary. 

The  possible  introduction  of  the  disease  into  the 
pens  by  people,  dogs,  birds,  etc.,  should  be  guarded 
against,  especially  if  the  disease  is  present  in  the 
neighborhood.  The  distribution  of  the  germs  of 
hog  cholera  by  these  agents  is  not  as  common  or 
as  greatly  to  be  feared,  as  a  few  years  ago,  when 
the  nature  of  the  contagion  was  not  well  under- 
stood, and  people  were  allowed  to  enter  the  yards 
and  carry  away  enough  of  the  infectious  material 
on  their  shoes  to  infect  other  places.  Whenever 
it  is  necessary  to  enter  a  hog  lot  where  the  disease 
is  known  to  exist,  the  shoes  should  be  cleaned  and 
disinfected  on  leaving  it.  Persons  taking  care  of 
the  sick  animals  should  practice  all  precautions 
possible  against  the  distribution  of  the  disease,  and 
see  that  others  observe  like  precautions.  The 
burial  of  the  dead  animals  has  greatly  diminished 
the  danger  of  spreading  the  disease  by  dogs  and 
buzzards,  but  crows,  pigeons  and  sparrows  are 
still  to  be  considered  carriers  of  the  infectious 
material. 


INFECTIOUS  DISEASES  I29 

In  no  place  on  the  farm  are  disinfectants  so 
necessary,  as  around  the  hog  house  and  yards. 
Whitewash  and  Hme  should  be  used  around  the 
hog  houses  at  least  once  a  year.  An  occasional 
spraying  of  the  feeding  floors,  pens,  etc.,  with  a 
disinfectant  will  help  in  keeping  away  undesirable 
germs.  The  tar  disinfectants  are  the  most  con- 
venient and  useful  for  this  purpose,  and  should  be 
used  in  from  two  to  four  per  cent,  solutions. 

Pastures  and  lots  can  be  kept  in  a  better  sani- 
tary condition,  if  the  hogs  are  taken  out  for  a  few 
months  each  year.  The  unused  lots  can  be  put  to 
a  good  use  and  cleaned  up,  by  plowing  and  sowing 
them  to  some  forage  crop. 

All  possible  precautions  against  the  food  and 
drinking  water  becoming  infected  with  germs 
should  be  taken.  The  importance  of  clean  water, 
clean  feed,  and  clean  troughs  and  feeding  floors 
must  be  emphasized,  as  it  is  in  the  feed  that  the 
germs  usually  fenter  the  system.  Muddy  yards  are 
always  undesirable,  and  when  in  use  for  a  few 
years,  are  apt  to  become  filthy.  For  this  reason 
they  should  be  well  drained  and  all  wallow  holes 
filled  in.  Pens  and  pastures  through  which  the 
drainage  from  swine  enclosures  higher  up  runs, 
should  not  be  used  for  hogs. 

An  occasional  spraying  or  dipping  of  the  hogs 
with  a  one  or  two  per  cent,  water  solution  of  a  tar 
disinfectant,  can  be  considered  a  necessary  part  of 
their  care.  Pigs  should  not  be  placed  in  crowded 
quarters,  and  attention  should  be  given  their  feed- 


130  DISEASES     OF      SWINE 

ing  and  care  in  order  to  keep  them  in  a  healthy, 
growing  condition.  Healthy  individuals  possess  a 
certain  amount  of  resistance  toward  disease,  and 
this  form  of  immunity  plays  no  small  part  in  the 
prevention  of  hog  cholera.  However,  immunity 
from  this  source  is  limited,  and  when  an  animal 
in  the  best  of  health  is  exposed  to  a  large  number 
of  active  germs  at  any  one  time,  disease  is  pro- 
duced. This  fact  shows  the  importance  of  clean 
yards  and  the  relation  that  other  sanitary  measures 
have  to  good  health  in  the  prevention  of  disease. 
Hygenic  Measures  Necessary  in  the  Treatment 
of  Hog  Cholera. — It  is  very  necessary  that  we 
recognize  the  disease  in  the  early  stages  in  order 
to  prevent  its  spread.  In  some  outbreaks,  the 
symptoms  are  not  typical  at  the  beginnmg  of  the 
outbreak  and  a  diagnosis  cannot  be  made  from  the 
symptoms  alone.  When  such  is  the  case,  a  sick 
hog  should  be  destroyed  and  a  careful  post  mortem 
examination  made,  and  if  it  proves  to  be  cholera, 
active  measures  should  be  taken  against  its  spread- 
ing. If  practical  under  the  conditions,  the  herd 
should  be  divided  into  small  bunches,  and  the  sick 
animals  separated  from  the  well  ones.  If  the  pens 
and  hog  houses  are  in  such  a  condition  that  they 
cannot  be  properly  cleaned  and  disinfected,  the 
herd  should  be  moved  to  some  convenient  place 
and  temporary  quarters  built.  AMien  the  weather 
is  warm,  the  only  protection  necessary  is  shade. 
In  cold  weather,  the  quarters  should  be  warm 
enough  to  keep  the  hogs  from  piling  up  and  catch- 


INFECTIOUS    DISEASES 


131 


ing  cold.  Portable  hog  houses  are  very  useful  for 
this  purpose.  The  old  yards  should  be  plowed 
and  all  litter  about  the  house  and  yards  burned. 


r: 

I                       V. 

--                                  ■ 

-                                             ^'. 

; 

0 

(\j 

\ 

\ 

■?i 

is 

.. 8L0' ^ 

FIG.    15 — ^LONGITUDINAL   SECTION 


SPECIFICATIONS    FOR 

LUMBER    FOR    PORTABLE 

HOG    HOUSE 

2  — 2''X4"Xi6'.  "1 
2— i''X9''Xi6'. 
2— i"x6"Xi6'. 
2  — I"X6"XI2^ 
7— i"X9"Xi6'. 


1    a> 


CROSS   SECTION 
PLAN    FOR   GOODELL  PORTABLE    HOG    HOUSE 

The  yards,  feeding  floors,  troughs  and  hog 
houses  must  be  kept  clean.  All  litter  should  be  re- 
moved   daily,    and    the    frequent    spraying    of    the 


132  DISEASES     OF      SWINE 

hogs,  feeding  floors,  sleeping  quarters,  etc.,  with 
a  disinfectant  is  a  necessary  part  of  the  treatment. 
Lime  is  one  of  the  most  useful  of  disinfectants,  and 
in  whitewashing  the  rough,  uneven  surfaces  about 
the  hog  houses,  it  is  best  to  use  a  spray  pump. 
The  tar  disinfectants  should  be  relied  on  in  de- 
stroying or  retarding  the  development  of  the  germs 
about  the  feed  troughs,  floors,  etc.,  and  should  be 
used  in  from  two  to  four  per  cent,  solutions.  Other 
agents  can  be  used  for  this  purpose,  but  the  two 
mentioned   are   the   most   practical   and   useful. 

Both  the  sick  and  well  hogs  should  be  fed  a 
light,  sloppy  diet  (shorts,  bran,  etc.).  The  water 
and  slop  must  not  be  left  in  the  troughs  for  the 
hogs  to  wallow  in.  Copper  sulphate  dissolved  in 
the  slop  and  drinking-water  in  the  proportion  of 
four  or  five  ounces  to  the  barrel  may  lessen  the 
chance  for  infection  through  the  food  supply. 

As  soon  as  a  hog  comes  down  with  the  disease, 
it  should  be  removed  to  the  pens  set  off  for  the 
sick  animals.  These  should  not  communicate  in 
any  way  with  the  pens  where  the  well  hogs  are 
kept. 

The  dead  hogs  should  be  burned.  This  is  not 
a  difficult  task,  if  the  body  is  placed  on  top  of  a 
pile  of  wood  that  burns  quickly  and  makes  a  hot 
fire.  If  disposed  of  by  burying,  it  should  be  well 
done  and  the  body  covered  with  lime.  However, 
this  is  not  as  satisfactory  as  burning. 

The  length  of  time  that  the  hog  houses  and 
yards  remain  infected  after  the  hogs  have  stopped 


INFECTIOUS  DISEASED  I33 

dying,  depends  on  the  thoroughness  with  which 
they  are  cleaned  and  disinfected.  If  the  Utter  and 
filth  are  not  removed,,  the  germs  may  live  for 
months.  All  litter  about  the  yards  must  be 
burned  or  removed  to  some  place  where  the  hogs 
cannot  come  in  contact  with  it,  and  whitewash 
and  disinfectants  used  freely.  If  the  cleaning  and 
disinfecting  is  properly  done,  fresh  hogs  may  be 
brought  onto  the  premises  within  a  few  weeks 
after  the  disease  has  been  checked  without  fur- 
ther loss  occurring,  but  it  is  usually  best  to  wait 
two  or  three  months  before  stocking  up  again,  or 
depend  on  the  hogs  that  have  survived  the  disease 
for  a  fresh  start,  as  there  is  some  danger  of  a 
second  outbreak  and  the  infection  continuing  for 
a  longer  time.  Where  it  is  practical,  the  hogs 
should  be  moved  to  another  part  of  the  farm  and 
new  and  better  yards  built. 

Serum-Therapy  and  Vaccination. — For  a  num- 
ber of  years,  the  Bureau  of  Animal  Industry  have 
been  experimenting  with  an  anti-hog-cholera 
serum  and  a  vaccine,  but  satisfactory  results  from 
this  line  of  treatment  have  not  been  reported.  In 
the  Twentieth  Annual  Report,  Dr.  Salmon  states 
that  this  line  of  experimental  work  will  be  continued, 
and  at  some  time  in  the  near  future  a  full  report  of 
the  work  of  investigation  will  be  issued. 

There  are  several  companies  in  this  country 
manufacturing  so-called  vaccines  and  antitoxins. 
The  commercial  antitoxins  are  said  to  contain  no 
live  hog  cholera  germs.     Such  preparations  can  be 


134  DISEASES     OF     SWINE 

classed  with  the  so-called  hog  cholera  remedies. 
The  preparation  of  the  vaccine  and  its  adminis- 
tration are  termed  ''methods."  The  conditions 
under  which  these  so-called  methods  are  used,  are 
favorable  for  the  infection  of  the  yards  with  hog 
cholera  germs  and  the  spread  of  the  disease  to 
other  herds  in  the  neighborhood.  Vaccination 
against  hog  cholera,  as  it  is  now  used,  is  not  prac- 
tical, and  more  improved  and  careful  methods  of 
handling  a  vaccine  of  this  nature  must  be  used 
before  this  line  of  treatment  should  be  considered. 

Medicinal  Treatment. — The  medicinal  treatment 
of  hog  cholera  has  always  been  unsatisfactory. 
The  only  good  results  that  seem  to  have  come 
from  the  so-called  "remedies"  and  ''cures"  were 
due  to  the  dieting  of  both  the  sick  and  well  hogs, 
and  the  cleaning  and  disinfecting  of  the  surround- 
ings. Vast  sums  of  money  have  been  spent  for 
hog  cholera  medicine,  but  stockmen  seem  to  have 
determined  the  true  value  of  this  line  of  treatment 
and  have  almost  discarded  it.  There  are  a  few 
remedies  still  on  the  market,  but  the  most  of  them 
are  recommended  for  other  purposes  than  the  cure 
of  this  disease. 

At  present  the  statement  that  there  is  no  satis- 
factory medicinal  treatment,  vaccine,  antitoxin,  or 
serum  for  hog  cholera  is  true.  Therefore,  if  hog 
cholera  is  to  be  treated,  it  should  be  along  the  line 
of  prevention  and  sanitation — lines  of  treatment 
that  are  effective  in  all  infectious  diseases  belong- 
ing to  this  class. 


•■^  INFECTIOUS  DISEASES  135 

A  DISEASE  RESEMBLING  HOG  CHOLERA 

In  Circulars  Nos.  41  and  43  of  the  Bureau  of 
Animal  Industry  is  published  the  description  of  a 
disease  that  cannot  be  distinguished  by  its  symp- 
toms alone  from  hog  cholera 

During  the  course  of  the  investigations  concern- 
ing hog  cholera  by  de  Schweintz  and  Dorset,  cer- 
tain outbreaks  w»ere  met  with,  which  were  appar- 
ently not  produced  by  the  germs  of  hog  cholera 
and  swine  plague.  This  fact,  together  with  their 
observations  of  the  wide  variations  in  the  symp- 
toms and  lesions  encountered  in  the  different  hog 
cholera  outbreaks,  led  them  to  institute  experi- 
ments in  order  to  determine  whether  or  n(^  other 
diseases  than  hog  cholera  and  swine  plague  were 
present  in  the  so-caled  ''hog  cholera"  outbreaks. 

Causes. — The  specific  cause  of  this  disease  has 
not  been  determined.  The  experimental  work  has 
shown  that  the  disease  can  be  readily  communi- 
cated to  healthy  pigs  by  exposing  them  I0  diseased 
animals  in  the  usual  way.  It  is  apparently,  a 
highly  contagious  disease.  The  time  between  the 
exposure  and  development  of  the  symptoms  is 
about  the  same  as  in  the  acute  form  of  hog  cholera. 
In  fact,  the  results  of  the  late  investigations  by  the 
Bureau  of  Animal  Industry  indicate  that  the  acute 
form  of  hog  cholera  is  not  caused  by  the  hog  chol- 
era bacillus,  but  by  the  germ  of  this  disease. 

Symptoms  and  Lesions. — The  symptoms  and 
post    mortem    lesions    are    so    similar    to    the    acute 


136  DISEASES      OF      SWINE 

form    of    hog    cholera    that    is    unnecessary    to    re- 
peat the  description  of  them. 

Treatment. — The  treatment  is  along  the  line  of 
prevention  and  sanitation,  the  same  as  in  hog 
cholera. 

SWINE  PLAGUE 

Swine  plague  is  an  infectious  disease  of  swine 
frequently  associated  with  hog  cholera.  In  some 
outbreaks  it  appears  as  a  septicaemia  or  blood 
poisoning,  but  more  often  as  a  pneumonia  or  an 
inflammation  of  the  lungs  and  pleural  membrane, 
which  lines  the  chest  cavity  and  covers  the  lungs. 

History. — It  was  not  until  the  summer  of  1886 
that  swine  plague  was  identified  as  a  distinct 
disease.  Prior  to  this  time  all  outbreaks  of  infec- 
tious sw^ine  diseases  were  supposed  to  be  due  to 
the  germ  of  hog  cholera.  Dr.  Theobald  Smith 
was  the  first  to  investigate  swine  plague  and  iso- 
late the  specific  cause  of  the  disease.  He  proved 
beyond  all  doubt  the  disease-producing  properties 
of  the  germ  by  inoculating  rabbits  and  hogs  with 
pure  cultures  obtained  from  outbreaks  of  swine 
plague.  He  found  it  identical  with  the  germ 
described  by  Loeffler,  which  produced  an  infec- 
tious pneumonia  Cschweineseuche)  of  hogs  in 
Germany. 

A  few  investigators,  especially  Dr.  Billings,  did 
not  agree  with  the  results  obtained  by  Smith,  and 
a  long  controversy  among  the  veterinarians  in  the 
United  States,  as  to  whether  swine  plague  existed 


INFECTIOUS  DISEASES  1 37 

as  a  distinct  disease,  occurred.  This  controversy 
occupies  a  prominent  place  in  the  history  of  the 
disease. 

Causes. — The  specific  cause  is  the  bacilhis  of 
swine  plague,  a  small  rod  or  oval  shaped  germ. 
When  taken  from  the  diseased  tissues,  it  is  about 
.00004  of  an  inch  in  length  and  .000024  of  an  inch 
in  breadth,  but  in  the  laboratory  when  cultivated 
on  the  different  kinds  of  media  and  under  differ- 
ent conditions,  its  appearance  varies  and  it  may 
grow  to  twice  the  above  dimensions. 

The  germ  is  non-motile  and  does  not  grow 
readily,  or  not  at  all,  on  some  of  the  common 
nutrient  medias,  such  as  potato  and  gelatine.  It 
grows  in  the  presence  of  oxygen  and  cultures  pos- 
sess a  disagreeable  odor.  It  is  not  as  hardy  as 
the  hog  cholera  germ,  and  if  the  conditions  are  not 
favorable  for  its  growth,  it  soon  dies.  It  is  readily 
destroyed   by  drying  and   disinfectants. 

Accessory  Causes. — x\ttenuated  or  weakened 
varieties  of  the  swine  plague  germ  are  frequently 
found  in  the  air  passages  of  healthy  hogs.  For 
this  reason,  the  germ  is  widely  distributed,  but 
unless  the  animal  is  debilitated,  or  the  activity  of 
the  germ  increased  in  some  way,  it  does  not  pro- 
duce disease.  A  frequent  method  of  infection 
occurs  through  susceptible  animals  coming  in  con- 
tact with  swine  having  a  mild  form  of  \ht  disease. 
Isolated  cases  of  swine  plague  are  more  or  less 
common,  but  there  is  always  danger  of  its  spread- 
ing  rapidly   under   favorable   conditions.      Its   dis- 


138  DISEASES     OF      SWINE 

tribution  depends  to  some  extent  on  the  same  con- 
ditions as  those  mentioned  in  connection  with  the 
hog  cholera  germ. 

People,  dogs,  and  hirds  are  not  important  agents 
in  the  distribution  of  the  disease,  and  it  does  not 
seem  to  spread  readily  through  the  food  supply 
and  as  a  result  of  filth.  Buying  hogs  from  infect- 
ed herds  and  exposure  to  the  disease  at  stock 
shows  and  fairs  are,  perhaps,  the  most  common 
method  of  distributing  the  disease.  Wind  and 
dust  are  common  carriers  of  the  swine  plague 
germ,  and  during  dry,  windy  weather  in  the  fall 
of  the  year,  swine  plague  may  sprejid  rapidly 
among  the  hogs  in  a  neighborhood  and  exist  as  a 
distinct  disease.  Irritation  to  the  lungs  from  dust 
and  lung  worms  seem  to  act  indirectly  in  causing  it. 

Period  of  Incubation. — The  time  that  elapses  be- 
tween the  exposure  and  appearance  of  the  symp- 
toms is  shorter  than  in  hog  cholera.  If  the  swine 
plague  germs  are  active,  they  multiply  very  rapid- 
ly in  the  system  and  produce  disease  in  a  short 
time. 

Symptoms. — In  the  large  majority  of  cases, 
there  is  no  noticeable  difference  between  the 
symptoms  of  hog  cholera  and  swine  plague.  It  is 
only  when  the  lungs  are  extensively  inflamed,  that 
the  stockman,  or  veterinarian  is  able  to  differ- 
entiate between  the  two  diseases  by  studying  the 
symptoms  alone.  The  recognition  of  swine  plague 
is  based  largely  on  such  symptoms  as  coughing, 
and     labored,     painful,     and     oppressed     breathing, 


INFECTIOUS   DISEASES  1 39 

while  in  hog  cholera  it  is  based  largely  on  the 
intestinal   symptoms. 

In  the  acute  form,  the  hog  is  depressed,  dull  and 
feverish.  The  body  temperature  is  very  high  (ic^'' 
to  109°).  The  skin  appears  flushed,  the  animal  is 
weak  and  staggers  when  it  walks,  and  the  breathing 
is  heavy.  The  hog  is  usually  seen  lying  down,  may 
be  unable  to  get  on  its  feet,  and  acts  stupid  and 
sleepy.  This  sleepy,  comatose  condition  may  end  in 
death,  or  death  occurs  in  a  convulsion.  The  course 
of  the  disease  is  from  one  day  to  a  week. 

The  chronic  form  shows  a  more  characteristic  train 
of  symptoms.  At  the  beginning  the  hog  may  be- 
have the  same  as  in  the  acute  form.  Usually  the 
symptoms  are  not  nearly  as  severe.  The  appetite 
is  impaired,  the  body  temperature  elevated,  the 
back  arched,  abdomen  tucked  up  and  the  flanks 
hollow.  The  animal  behaves  in  a  dull,  stupid 
manner  and  shows  symptoms  of  a  serious  respi- 
ratory disease,  such  as  labored,  difficult  breathing 
and  coughing.  If  the  sides  of  the  chest  are 
pressed  on,  it  causes  the  animal  severe  pain. 
Friction  sounds  may  be  heard  on  placing  the  ear 
against  the  chest  w^alls. 

The  bowels  usually  become  constipated  and  the 
hog  loses  flesh  very  rapidly,  and  finally  becomes 
so  weak  that  it  is  unable  to  get  on  its  feet  and 
walk.  In  the  latter  stages  it  may  be  seen  lying 
on  its  side  in  a  stupor,  and  when  moved  will 
squeal   and   show   other   symptoms   of   pain.     The 


140  '  DISEASES      OF      SWINE 

reddened  condition  of  the  skin  and  visible  mucous 
membranes  is  very  noticeable. 

In  most  outbreaks  of  swine  plague,  a  smaller 
per  cent,  of  the  herd  becomes  affected  than  in  hog 
cholera.  Recovery  seldom  occurs.  The  disease 
frequently  takes  on  the  chronic  form. 

Lesions. — The  lung  and  pleural  lesions  predom- 
inate. The  inflammation  of  the  lungs  is  limited 
to  certain  lobules,  unless  it  is  in  the  very  acute 
cases.  The  lining  membrane  of  the  bronchial 
tubes  is  inflamed  and  the  smaller  tubules  are 
filled  with  inflammatory  exudates.  Not  over  one- 
fourth  of  the  lung  tissue  may  be  diseased.  All 
stages  of  pneumonia  may  be  present.  On  cutting 
across  the  lung,  the  section  usually  appears  mot- 
tled with  grayish  red  and  reddish  yellow  areas. 

Inflammation  of  the  pleura  is  a  very  constant 
lesion.  The  membrane  covering  the  lungs  may 
be  reddened,  thickened  and  adherent  to  the  chest 
walls.  Other  parts  may  present. the  same  appear- 
ance. False  membranes  sometimes  form  and  give 
the  pleura  a  roughened  appearance.  In  some 
cases  it  is  greatly  changed.  The  sack  surrounding 
the  heart  (pericardium)  is  diseased  in  very  much 
the   same   way  as   the   pleural    membrane. 

The  mucous  membrane  of  the  stomach  and  in- 
testines is  reddened,  congested  and  inflamed  in  the 
majority  of  hogs  that  die  of  swine  plague.  In 
some  cases  ulceration  occurs.  The  ulcers  differ 
somewhat  from  the  hog  cholera  ulcers  in  that  they 


INFECTIOUS  DISEASES  I4I 

are  more  excavated  and  less  elevated  and  button  like. 
The  peritoneum  is  frequently  inflamed. 

Preventive  Treatment.— The  preventive  meas- 
ures in  swine  plague  are  along  somewhat  the  same 
lines  as  in  hog  cholera.  However,  the  most  dan- 
gerous source  of  infection  is  from  animals  coming 
from  diseased  herds,  or  from  health}^  herds  com- 
ing in  contact,  either  directly  or  indirectly,  with 
the  disease  at  stock  shows,  fairs,  etc.  Unsanitary 
conditions  seem  to  play  a  less  important  part  in 
the  spread  of  this  disease  than  in  hog  cholera. 

Hygienic  Measures  Necessary  in  the  Treatment 
of  Swine  Plague. — The  swine  plague  germ  has 
less  vitality  than  the  hog  cholera  germ,  hence  it  is 
more  readily  destroyed.  It  is  largely  due  to  this 
fact  that  the  disease  can  be  controlled.  Cleaning 
and  disinfecting  the  pens,  hog  houses,  etc.,  and  the 
separation  of  the  sick  from  the  well  animals  are 
the  necessary  measures  in  the  treatment  and  control 
of  this  disease.  In  general  the  hygenic  treatment  dif- 
fers but  little  from  that  recommended  for  hog  cholera. 

Serum  Therapy  and  Vaccination.— Serums  and 
so-called  antitoxines  have  proven  unsatisfactory  in 
the  treatment  of  swine  plague.  The  same  is  true 
of  vaccines. 

Medicinal  Treatment.— The  medicinal  treatment 
has  always  been  along  the  same  line  as  in  hog 
cholera,  and  has  not  given  satisfactory  results. 
This  line  of  treatment  should  not  be  permitted  to 
draw  the   attention   from   sounder   and   more  eco- 


142  DISEASES     OF      SWINE 

nomical  measures.  At  present,  we  must  depend  on 
prevention  and  sanitary  measures  in  combating 
this   disease, 

INFECTIOUS  SORE  MOUTH  IN  PIGS— NECROTIC 
STOMATITIS 

Infectious  sore  mouth  is  a  common  disease  of 
pigs.  It  usually  occurs  in  young  pigs  from  a  few 
days  to  a  few  weeks  old  and  is  highly  contagious. 
Heavy  losses  are  frequently  reported  from  this 
disease. 

Causes. — The  specific  cause  of  this  disease  is 
the  necrosis  bacillus.  This  germ  is  widely  dis- 
tributed and  is  said  to  be  a  normal  inhabitant  of 
the  hog's  intestines.  It  is  commonly  found  in  the 
manure  around  the  hog  houses  and  in  filth,  and  is 
frequently  associated  with  other  ulcerative  and  ne- 
crotic processes  than  that  of  the  mouth. 

Filthy  quarters  is  the  one  condition  that  favors 
the  development  of  the  disease.  Damp,  wet, 
muddy  yards  are  favorable  conditions  for  the 
spreading  of  the  infection,  but  infection  may  occur 
quite  readily  in  dusty  yards.  Under  such  con- 
ditions the  teats  of  the  mother  become  soiled  with 
filth  containing  the  germs  of  the  disease.  A  com- 
mon method  of  spreading  the  disease  is  by  af- 
fected pigs  nursing  and  infecting  the  teats  of 
mothers  having  healthy  litters. 

The  germ  does  not  develop  on  a  healthy  mucous 
membrane.  Opportunity  for  developing  in  the 
mouth    of    the    pig    is    afforded    by    some    slight 


INFECTIOUS   DISEASES  I43 

wound  on  the  lining  membrane,  or  the  inflam- 
mation and  irritation  to  the  part  caused  by  the 
eruption  of  the  teeth.'  Age  is  an  important  pre- 
disposing factor,  as  the  disease  is  usually  seen 
in  pigs  under  two  months  of  age. 

Symptoms. — At  the  beginning  of  the  disease, 
pigs  that  are  nursing  the  mother  are  careless  of 
the  teat  and  may  refuse  to  nurse.  Older  animals 
show  a  falling  off  in  the  appetite  and  eat  sparingly. 
The  animal  is  feverish  and  acts  dull.  On  ex- 
amining the  mouth  at  this  time,  the  lining  mem- 
brane shows  several  inflamed  patches,  usually  on 
the  gum  and  lips.  In  the  early  stages  the  inflamed 
parts  are  a  deep  red  color  and  swollen.  Some- 
times the  snout  and  lips  are  badly  swollen  and 
the  breathing  is  interfered  with.  Later  the  in- 
flamed patches  become  necrotic  and  ulcers  form. 
In  this  stage  the  part  becomes  whitish  or  yellow- 
ish white  in  color  toward  the  central  part  of  the 
area,  and  inflamed  and  thickened  at  the  margins. 
The  necrotic  tissue  soon  sloughs  off  and  deep,  cav- 
ernous depressions  or  ulcers  form.  These  may  in- 
volve several  of  the  teeth,  or  a  large  portion  of  the 
lips  and  snout.  The  opening  of  the  mouth  causes 
the  animal  a  great  deal  of  pain  and  the  breath  has 
a  disagreeable  odor.  Salivation  is  sometimes 
noticed. 

As  the  pig  is  weak,  feverish  and  unable  to 
suckle,  it  soon  becomes  greatly  emaciated.  It  is 
usually  seen  standing  or  lying  down  in  the  pen, 
or  in  some  quiet  place.     It  moves  about  but  little 


144  DISEASES      OF      SWINE 

and  acts  dull  and  stupid.  The  latter  symptoms  are 
due  to  the  poisonous  products  manufactured  by 
the  germs,  and  the  effect  they  have  on  the  nervous 
system,  as  well  as  the  weakened,  debilitated  con- 
dition. 

The  disease  usually  terminates  in  from  three 
to  ten  days.  The  loss  in  the  herd  is  frequently 
fifty  per  cent.,  and,  if  the  conditions  favor  the 
development  of  the  disease,  it  is  even  more  fatal. 
Cases  that  make  a  recovery  are  generally  stunted, 
or  deformed   about   the   face   and   lips. 

Treatment. — Preventive  measures  are  very  im- 
portant. They  should  be  carried  out  along  two 
lines:  (i)  keeping  the  hog  house  and  yards  in  a 
sanitary  condition  by  removing  the  manure  and 
other  filth,  and  the  occasional  disinfection  of  the 
hog  house;  (2)  not  allowing  an  infected  pig  to  mix 
with  the  herd. 

As  soon  as  the  disease  breaks  out  :n  a  litter, 
both  the  mother  and  the  pigs  should  be  separated 
from  the  herd.  The  affected  pigs  can  be  treated 
by  dipping  them  head  foremost  into  a  four  per 
cent,  water  solution  of  some  reliable  tar  disinfect- 
ant, or  permanginate  of  potassium,  one  ounce  to  a 
gallon  of  water,  can  be  used.  A  more  thorough 
way  to  treat  them  is  to  wash  out  the  mouth  by 
injecting  the  solution  directly  into  it  with  a 
syringe.  It  is  advisable  to  use  this  method  wher- 
ever practical,  and  especially  in  advanced  cases. 
It  is  also  advisable  to  clean  the  ulcerated  parts  by 
scraping   away   the    dead    tissue   and    rubbing   the 


INFECTIOUS  DISEASES  1 45 

surface  of  the  ulcer  with  lunar  caustic.  The  above 
treatment  should  be  repeated  twice  a  day  in  ad- 
vanced cases,  and  in  -mild  ones  once  a  day.  It 
should  be  kept  up  for  as  long  a  time  as  neces- 
sary. A  small  teaspoonful  of  flowers  of  sulphur,  drop- 
ped into  the  mouth  of  the  afifected  pig,  is  recom- 
mended as  a  treatment  for  this  disease. 

It  is  usually  more  economical  to  kill  the  badly 
diseased  pigs  than  it  is  to  treat  them,  as  they  are 
apt  to  scatter  the  disease  and  become  badly  stunted 
or  deformed. 

TUBERCULOSIS 

The  abattoir  statistics  published  b^^-  the  Bureau 
of  Animal  Industry  show  that  tuberculosis  is  a 
fairly  common  disease  of  swine,  and  it  is  no  doubt 
on  the  increase  in  this  country,  especially  in  dairy 
sections,  where  the  skim  milk  from  the  dairy  is 
fed  to  hogs.  Statistics  show  that  tuberculosis  in 
hogs  varies  according  to  the  prevalence  of  the 
disease  among  cattle,  showing  that  the  milk  from 
tubercular  cows  is  the  common  source  of  this  af- 
fection. It  is  not  so  prevalent  in  the  United 
States  as  in  some  European  countries. 

In  the  abattoir  generalized  tuberculosis  is  more 
commonly  found  in  fat,  heavy  hogs  than  in  light 
ones.  In  most  cases  they  appear  to  be  in  perfect 
health,  and  it  is  on  post  mortem  examination  that 
the  diseased  condition  of  the  body  is  recognized. 
This  is  one  of  the  peculiarities  of  the  disease,  and 
it  is  because  of  the  slow  progress  and  the  absence 


146  DISEASES     OF     SWINE 

in  most  cases  of  noticeable  symptoms  that  so  lit- 
tle attention  is  given  it. 

Causes. — The  specific  cause  is  bacillus  tuber- 
culosis, which  was  first  described  by  Koch  in  1882. 
The  bacilli  occur  in  the  form  of  slender  rods 
having  rounded  ends  singly,  in  pairs,  or  in  small 
bundles.  They  are  found  in  the  nodules  and 
tubercles,  which  they  produce  in  the  tissues. 
There  is,  perhaps,  no  disease  producing  germ  that 
undergoes  greater  modifications  in  form  and  char- 
acter under  various  conditions  and  environments. 
Even  in  the  same  animal,  it  may  take  on  different 
forms.  There  is  a  wide  variation  in  the  types 
of  the  germ.     It  does  not  form  spores,  but  vacuoles. 

The  most  important  factor  in  the  production 
of  tuberculosis  in  hogs  is  the  presence  of  the 
disease  among  dairy  cattle.  The  milk  from  a 
single  tubercular  herd,  when  taken  to  the  cream- 
ery, may  infect  a  large  number  of  hogs  in  the 
neighborhood  through  the  skim-milk,  buttermilk, 
and  slops.  The  percentage  of  tubercular  hogs  is 
greater  in  places  where  dairying  is  an  important 
industry  than  in  other  sections  of  the  country, 
a  condition  that  proves  beyond  a  doubt  the  above 
method  of  infection.  A  common  source  of  the 
disease  in  young  pigs,  is  through  the  milk  of  a 
tubercular  mother. 

The  feeding  of  offal  to  hogs,  as  is  frequently 
the  practice  at  the  country  slaughter-house,  will 
cause  the  disease,  because  of  the  germs  of  tuber- 
culosis   sometimes    present    in    the    carcasses,    or 


INFECTIOUS   DISEASES  I47 

portions  of  the  carcasses,  eaten  by  the  animals. 
Infection  may  also  occur  through  the  inspired  air, 
and  when  hogs  affected  with  tuberculosis  are 
introduced  into  the  herd,  all  the  hogs  in  the  pen 
may  contract  the  disease. 

Such  conditions  as  act  unfavorably  on  the  con- 
stitution of  the  pig  will,  if  the  germs  are  present, 
favor  the  development  of  the  disease.  Close  pens, 
filth,  unnatural  bringing  up,  early  forcing,  etc., 
all  favor  its  development.  Improved  breeds  of 
swine  are  said  to  contract  tuberculosis  more 
readily  than  the  common  breeds.  Infection  has 
been  known  to  occur  by  way  of  wounds,  especially 
castration. 

Symptoms. — In  pigs  that  have  become  diseased 
by  sucking  a  tubercular  mother,  marked  symp- 
toms of  intestinal  and  generalized  tuberculosis 
may  be  manifested.  The  pig  becomes  stunted, 
"  pot  bellied,"  and  very  thin.  The  skin  and  coat 
present  a  very  unthrifty  appearance,  and  the  skin 
is  usually  dirty  looking  and  covered  with  crusts. 
Digestive  disorders,  such  as  diarrhoea,  bloating, 
and  vomiting,  occur.  At  times  the  pig  is  feverish, 
refuses  to  eat,  and  finally  becomes  very  weak. 
Pressure  on  the  abdomen  may  cause  the  animal 
pain,  and,  sometimes,  hard,  knotty  masses  representing 
bunches  of  tubercles  are  felt. 

In  case  the  lungs  are  involved,  the  animal 
coughs  and  the  breathing  may  be  quick  and 
labored.  These  symptoms  become  more  marked 
as    the    disease    progresses.      In    the    latter    stages, 


148  DISEASES      OF      SWINE 

the  pig  may  have  choking  spells.  Abnormal  lung 
sounds  are  heard  on  auscultation. 

In  tuberculosis  of  the  brain,  nervous  symptoms, 
such  as  turning  round  and  round,  convulsions, 
spasms  of  muscles  and  paralysis,  occur.  The 
head  may  be  held  obliquely,  the  snout  drawn  to 
one  side,  and  the  ears  allowed  to  droop.  Certain 
parts  of  the  body  or  groups  of  muscles  are  usually 
involved. 

The  course  of  generalized  tuberculosis  is  short 
in  young  pigs,  but  may  last  for  months  in  older 
ones.  When  the  disease  is  localized  and  the  tis- 
sue changes  in  the  vital  organs  are  not  advanced 
or  extensive  enough  to  seriously  interfere  with 
the  body  functions,  the  true  nature  of  the  disease 
is  not  recognized  until  after  the  animal  is  slaugh- 
tered. 

Lesions. — The  changes  in  the  tissues  following 
the  invasion  of  the  bacillis  tuberculosis  are  the 
formation  of  nodules  or  tubercules,  gray  or  yel- 
lowish white  in  color,  or  translucent  in  character. 
In  some  cases  the  nodules  are  distinct  and  easily 
recognized,  but  in  advanced  cases  they  often  come 
together  and  form  a  mass  of  tubercular  tissue. 

In  the  beginning  the  tubercle  consists  of  a  few 
cells  surrounding  the  invading  germs.  These  are 
soon  enclosed  in  a  zone  of  epitheloid  and  giant 
cells,  which  in  turn  become  surrounded  by  a 
layer  of  lymphoid  cells.  The  central  portion  of 
the  tubercle  soon  dies  and  breaks  down,  and  as 
'.he  nodule  enlarges,  the  necrotic  portion  gradually 


INFECTIOUS   DISEASES  I49 

increases.  When  cut  into,  the  diseased  tissue 
is  usually  yellowish  and  cheesy  in  character. 
Sometimes,  it  is  indurated  and  almost  as  hard  as 
cartilage.  Calcareous  degeneration  of  the  nodules 
is  not  often  seen  in  hogs,  as  the  lesions  are  seldom 
of  long  enough  standing  for  this  degenerative 
change  to  occur. 

As  the  disease  is  nearly  always  contracted  by 
the  ingestion  of  infected  food,  the  digestive  ap- 
paratus and  lymphatic  glands  (pharyngeal  and 
submaxillary)  are  commonly  involved.  The  lym- 
phatic glands  become  enlarged,  knotty,  and  hard. 
When  cut  open,  they  are  made  up  largely  of  old, 
fibrous  tissue,  with  yellowish,  caseous  centers 
scattered  through  it.  Ulcers  and  small  nodules 
may  be  found  in  the  intestinal  walls  and  scattered 
through  the  liver  tissue,  or  larger  nodules,  vary- 
ing in  size  from  that  of  a  pea  to  a  hazel  nut, 
tough  and  yellowish  white  in  color,  may  occur. 
The  peritoneum  is  sometimes  the  seat  of  fine 
granulations  and  lesions  of  the  same  nature,  as 
mentioned  as  existing  in  the  liver,  may  be  found 
m  the  lungs,  spleen,  and  other  interal  organs. 
In  generalized  cases  the  muscles  are  sometimes 
affected. 

Treatment. — The  only  successful  method  of  com- 
batting the  disease  is  along  the  line  of  prevention. 
The  hogs  should  be  kept  in  as  healthy  a  condition 
as  possible  by  giving  them  proper  care,  feed,  and 
surroundings.  Muddy,  filthy  pens  are  favorable 
for  infection,  and  well-drained  pens,  clean  troughs. 


150  DISEASES      OF      SWINE 

feeding  floors,  and  sleeping  quarters  are  unfavor- 
able. Crowded  quarters  are  also  favorable  for  the 
production  of  the  disease.  All  possible  precautions 
against  infection  through  the  food  supply  should 
be  taken.  Feeding  hogs  on  the  offal  from  the 
slaughter-house  and  the  carcasses  of  other  animals 
is  especially  harmful,  and  should  not  be  practiced. 
The  feeding  of  skim  milk  and  slops  from  a  dairy, 
known  to  have  tuberculosis  is  a  very  dangerous 
practice,  and  is  sure  to  bring  about  a  diseased  con- 
dition of  the  herd.  In  coavs,  the  disease  can  be 
recognized  by  means  of  the  tuberculin  test,  and 
the  afifected  animals  can  then  be  destroyed.  In 
this  way  a  healthy  herd  of  dairy  cattle  can  then 
be  established,  and  all  danger  of  contracting 
tuberculosis  from  this  source,  at  least,  is  avoided. 
Hogs  known  to  have  tuberculosis  should  be 
destroyed,  and  their  carcasses  disposed  of  in  a 
suitable  manner.  If  the  herd  is  known  to  be  in- 
fected with  this  disease  to  any  great  extent,  it 
should  be  disposed  of  and  a  new  herd  started  with 
animals  known  to  be  healthy.  It  is  also  best  to 
build  new  yards,  as  it  is  impossible  to  clean  up  the 
former  quarters  and  eliminate  all  danger  of  re- 
infection from  this  source. 

RABIES— HYDROPHOBIA 

Rabies  is  one  of  the  oldest  known  infectious 
diseases.  Hogs  do  not  suffer  as  extensively  from 
it    as    do    horses,    cattle,    and    dogs,    but    wherever 


INFECTIOUS  DISEASES  I5I 

an  extensive  outbreak  of  rabies  occurs,  hogs  as  well 
as  other  animals  are  reported  as  dying  of  the 
disease. 

Rabies  is  a  very  widespread  disease.  It  is  very 
common  in  most  European  countries,  and  is  known 
to  exist  in  nearly  every  part  of  the  United  States. 
Australia  is  the  only  country  in  which  the  disease, 
as  far  as  known,  does  not  exist.  England  is  said 
to  be  comparatively  free  from  it.  The  freedom  from 
the  disease  in  the  latter  countries  is  due  to  the  con- 
trol that  the  authorities  have  over  the  disease,  by  the 
rigid  enforcement  of  the  quarantine  regulations 
against  dogs  (Australia),  and  the  enforcement  of 
the  proper  regulations  against  dogs  running  at 
large.  The  disease  is  no  doubt  on  the  increase 
in  this  country. 

Causes. — Rabies  is  caused  by  a  specific  micro- 
organism that  is  known  to  exist  in  the  brain, 
spinal  cord,  and  saliva  of  the  affected  animal. 
So  far,  investigators  have  not  been  able  to  isolate 
and  study  the  specific  factor,  but  its  presence  in 
the  above  tissues  is  an  accepted  fact. 

The  disease  is  spread  by  inoculation,  usually  by 
the  bite  of  a  rabid  dog.  Wild,  as  well  as  domesti- 
cated carnivorous  animals,  w^hen  rabid,  may  spread 
the  disease  by  biting  other  animals.  It  is  claimed 
by  some  that  the  specific  factor  of  rabies  is  not 
present  in  the  saliva  of  animals  other  than  the 
carnivorous.  At  least,  it  is  true  that  they  are 
prone  to  bite  and  have  a  good  opportunity  to  at- 
tack people  and  farm  animals  when  affected,  hence 


152  DISEASES     OF      SWINE 

dogs  must  be  considered  the  principal  factor  in  the 
spread  of  the  disease.  Some  writers  state  that 
the  bite  of  a  rabid  hog  may  produce  the  disease. 

In  hogs  a  large  per  cent,  of  the  animals  bitten 
develop  the  disease.  The  average  period  of  incu- 
bation is  from  two  to  three  weeks. 

Symptoms. — Rabies  in  swine  is  characterized 
by  very  much  the  same  train  of  symptoms  as  de- 
velop in  other  animals.  Two  forms  of  rabies, 
the  furious  and  dumb,  occur.  The  furious  is  the 
more  common  in  hogs.  The  animal  is  very  rest- 
less and  excited.  If  lying  down  in  the  litter,  it 
may  jump  up  suddenly,  squeal  and  run  about  as  if 
pursued.  Sometimes,  it  backs  up  into  a  corner  of 
the  pen.  The  animal  is  very  nervous  and  easily 
startled.  If  a  person  enters  the  pen,  it  will  run 
at  him.  The  eyes  are  at  times  fixed,  or  are  rolled 
about,  and  there  is  an  abundant  secretion  of  saliva 
which  dribbles  from  his  mouth.  Frequently  it 
will  gnaw  the  boards  around  the  pen,  make  desperate 
efforts  to  get  out,  swallow  indigestible  objects,  and 
attempt  to  bite  other  animals.  Paralysis  soon  comes 
on,  the  hog  has  difficulty  in  swallowing  and  is  unable 
to  move  about. 

The  duration  of  the  disease  is  short.  Paralysis 
comes  on  early  in  the  attack,  and  the  animal  is 
seen  lying  or  hiding  in  the  litter  and  pays  no  at- 
tensian  to  its  surroundings.  It  does  not  become 
excited  when  approached,  is  very  weak,  and  dies 
in  a  few  days. 

Lesions. — The   tissue   changes   are   not   constant 


INFECTIOUS  DISEASES  I53 

or  Specific.  A  congested  condition  of  the  mucous 
membrane  lining  the  pharynx,  larynx,  and  stomach, 
enlargement  of  the  spleen,  and  a  congested  con- 
dition of  the  brain  are  sometimes  present.  Be- 
cause of  the  desire  to  swallow  indigestible  objects, 
foreign  objects,  such  as  stones,  straw,  pieces  of 
wood,  etc.,  are  frequently  found  in  the  stomach. 

The  most  constant  lesions  are  microscopic  in 
character.  These  are  present  in  the  nerve  tissue, 
especially  in  the  gray  matter  surounding  the 
cerebro-spinal  canal,  and  consist  of  a  hyperemia* 
pigmentation,  proliferation,  and  degeneration  of 
the  cellular  structure. 

Treatment. — The  treatment  of  hogs  in  any  way 
is  not  practical.  As  soon  as  the  animal  develops 
rabies  it  should  be  destroyed,  or  isolated,  in  order 
to  prevent  any  possible  spread  of  the  disease  to 
the  other  animals  in  the  pen.  Stray  dogs  should 
be  regarded  with  suspicion  and  not  allowed  to 
loiter  around  the  premises,  or  taken  care  of  in  the 
proper  manner,  as  it  is  the  rabid  dog,  not  manifest- 
ing marked  symptoms  of  disease,  and  allowed  to 
stay  around  the  premises  and  mix  with  the  stock, 
that  is  the  most  dangerous. 

INFECTIOUS  ARTHRITIS 

Inflammation  of  the  joints  is  a  disease  of  young 
pigs  from  a  few  days  to  a  fe\v  weeks  old.  It  is 
caused  by  germs  entering  the  body  by  way  of 
the  naval  cord.  Other  tissues  of  the  body  besides 
the  joints   may  be   involved. 


154  DISEASES      OF      SWINE 

Causes. — Filthy  breeding  pens  can  be  considered 
the  primary  cause.  In  such  surroundings  there  is 
danger  of  the  umbilical  cord  becoming  infected 
with  the  proper  disease  producing  germs,  as  it 
is  moist  and  soon  becomes  soiled  and  covered  with 
filth.  When  the  pigs  once  have  the  disease,  it 
usually  recurs  in  the  successive  crops  of  pigs, 
unless  the  pens  are  cleaned  and  disinfected.  Some- 
times it  spreads  to  other  herds  in  the  neighbor- 
hood and  causes  heavy  losses. 

Symptoms. — The  affected  joints  are  swollen  and 
painful.  Abscesses  may  form  in  different  parts 
of  the  body,  usually  about  the  naval  opening. 
In  case  the  abscess  at  the  umbilical  opening  is 
large,  it  may  discharge  its  contents  into  the 
abdominal  cavity,  and  cause  the  death  of  the  ani- 
mal. It  is  not  uncommon,  however,  for  it  to 
break  on  the  outside.  Sometimes,  abscesses  form 
in  the  joints  and  break.  In  severe  cases  the  in- 
testines and  other  internal  organs  are  affected  and 
the  pig  is  constipated,  or  has  a  diarrhoea. 

In  mild  cases  the  pig  is  lame  and  weak,  but 
continues  to  suckle  the  mother.  After  a  time  it 
will  become  stunted,  unless  cared  for,  and  may 
finally  die.  If  the  intestines  are  involved  and  the 
joints  badly  inflamed,  the  appetite  is  lost  and  the 
pig  is  feverish  and  weak.  Death  generally  follows 
within  a  few  days. 

Treatment. — This  is  largely  preventive.  The 
breeding  pens  should  be  clean,  dry,  and  well 
lighted.     If  the  disease  exists  in  the  herd,  the  pens 


INFECTIOUS    DISEASES  1 55 

should  be  thoroughly  disinfected  and  all  litter 
removed  to  a  place  where  the  hogs  do  not  come 
in  contact  with  it.  In  addition,  the  sows  should 
not  be  permitted  to  farrow  close  to  an  affected  lit- 
ter, or  in  a  pen  where  an  affected  litter  has  been 
kept. 

The  pigs  can  be  treated  by  washing  the  um- 
bilical cord  with  a  strong  solution  of  carbolic 
acid  (ten  per  cent,  or  more),  or  some  of  the 
tar  disinfectants.  If  the  disease  is  present  in  the 
herd,  this  should  be  practiced  as  soon  as  the 
pigs  are  born.  Such  treatment  causes  the  cord 
to  dry  up,  and  the  entraijce  of  germs  into  the 
tissues  is  prevented.  The  diarrhoea  and  abscesses 
should  receive  the  proper  treatment. 

SIMPLE  SEPTICEMIA  AND  PYEMIA 

There  is  no  essential  difference  between  sep- 
ticaemia and  pyaemia,  and  writers  classify  all  blood 
poisoning  as  a  septicaemia,  as  the  immediate  cause 
of  the  diseased  changes  in  the  tissues  are  due  to 
the  action  of  the  toxic  substances,  produced  by 
the  invading  microorganisms. 

The  difference  in  the  symptoms  and  diseased 
changes  in  the  tissues  occurring  in  blood  poison- 
ing is  due  to  the  extent  in  which  the  tissues  are 
invaded,  and  the  nature  of  the  disease-producing 
agent.  The  germs  sometimes  enter  the  system 
by  way  of  a  wound  and  are  distributed  through- 
out  the  body  by  the  blood.  In  case  of  pyo- 
genic  bacteria,    abscesses   form   in   different   parts 


156  DISEASES      UF      SWIIsE 

of  the  body.  This  is  the  most  common  form  of 
blood  poisoning  in  swine.  Local  abscesses  are  not 
uncommon.  At  other  times  the  germs  do  not 
overrun  the  tissues,  but  remain  at  the  wound  or 
point  of  inoculation.  Here  they  develop  and  pro- 
duce toxic  or  poisonous  substances  that  may 
exert  a  local  or  general  poisonous  efifect  on  the 
tissues  of  the  body.  This  may  produce  profound 
general  shock  to  the  system,  or  inflammation  of 
certain  organs.  Several  different  forms  of  bacteria 
may  be  present  in  this  disease. 

Causes. — The  forms  usually  encountered  are  mi- 
crococci, especially  staphylococcus  albus  and 
aureus,  streptococci,  and  a  few  bacilli.  These 
germs  enter  the  tissues  through  bruises  or  abra- 
sions in  the  skin,  and  extensive  wounds.  The  op- 
portunity hogs  have  to  become  infected  through 
their  surroundings  is  of  great  importance,  and  is 
responsible  for  the  abscesses  occurring  in  this 
class  of  farm  animals.  Infection  sometimes  fol- 
lows castration,  or  other  operations,  when  care- 
lessly performed  and  not  cared  for  properly. 
Blood  poisoning  is  not  rare  as  a  result  of  putri- 
factive  changes  in  the  womb  following  an  inflam- 
mation of  the  organ,  or  as  a  result  of  retention  of 
the  foetus. 

Symptoms. — Unless  the  symptoms  follow  an 
extensive  infection  resulting  from  a  difficult  birth, 
an  operation,  or  a  large  wound,  the  symptoms 
are  not  connected  with  a  disease  of  this  nature. 
When  the  infection  occurs  through  a  bruise  or  a 


INFECTIOUS    DISEASES  I57 

slight  abrasion  in  the  skin,  the  part  becomes  in- 
flamed, swollen,  or  oedematous.  An  abscess  may 
also  form.  In  case  an  open  wound  is  infected,  it 
may  become  badly  swollen,  the  granulations,  red 
and  unhealthy  in  appearance,  and  pus  and  other 
secretions  collect  on  its  surface. 

The  body  temperature  may  be  elevated  and  the 
appetite  impaired.  Muscular  tremors  are  some- 
times noticed  and  the  hog  is  dull  and  stupid.  In 
serious  cases  of  the  disease,  the  animal  lies 
around  in  the  pens,  w-eeds,  or  in  some  quiet,  cool 
place.  It  becomes  very  weak  and  emaciated. 
Death  occurs  in  a  short  time^  However,  in  most 
cases  of  general  blood  poisoning  recovery  occurs, 
and  the  hog  soon  improves  in  condition. 

Treatment. — The  treatment  is  mostly  preventive 
and  consists  in  giving  wounds  the  proper  atten- 
tion, especially  if  extensive.  Antiseptic  precau- 
tions should  be  observed,  as  recommended  in  all 
operations.  Abscesses  should  be  opened  as  soon 
as  formed,  and  at  the  lowest  point,  in  order  to 
permit  proper  drainage.  The  after  treatment  con- 
sists in  washing  the  part  vv^ith  a  two  per  cent, 
water  solution  of  some  reliable  disinfectant,  once 
a  day  for  a  short  time.  The  opening  should  not 
he  permitted  to  close  until  the  cavity  has  filled 
in.  Large  wounds  should  be  attended  to  care- 
fully and  kept  clean  by  washing  them  with  a  dis- 
infectant wash  and  dusting  the  surface  with 
powdered  disinfectants  (boric  acid,  calomel,  etc.). 
All  dead  tissue  in  the  wound  must  be  removed. 


158  DISEASES     OF     SWINE 

In  local  blood  poisoning,  the  above  treatment 
is  all  that  is  necessary.  In  case  the  disease  is 
generalized,  internal  treatment  should  be  given. 
Alcohol,  salicylate  of  soda,  and  quinine  are  the 
drugs  generally  given.  Plenty  of  clean  drinking- 
water  should  be  allowed.  The  animal  should  be 
given  a  comfortable  pen  and  coaxed  to  eat  easily 
digested  and  nutritious  food,  in  order  to  help  in 
keeping  up  its  strength. 


PART  IV 
PARASITIC    DISEASES 


PARASITIC   DISEASES 


THE  HOG  LOUSE 

Hcematopinus  suis — Linnaeus 

The  hog  louse  is  the  only  common  external 
parasite  of  swine.  As  well  as  the  lai-gest,  it  is 
the  most  common  louse  found  on  domestic  ani- 
mals, and  because  of  its  size  and  the  thinness  of 
the  hog's  coat,  can  be  readily  seen.  It  is  generally 
found  on  the  thin  parts  of  the  skin  (back  of  the 
ears,  on  the  inside  of  the  thighs,  etc.)  that  are 
more  easi'ly  penetrated  by  the  mouth  parts  of  the 
parasite.  Unthrifty  pigs  and  adults  may  become 
badly  infested,  but  on  thrifty,  active  animals  the 
invasion  is  not  as  great  because  of  their  ability 
to  resist  it.  Lice  are  seldom  found  on  hogs  that 
have  been,  shipped  some  distance,  especially  dur- 
ing the  warm  weather.  The  coat  affords  the  lice 
but  little  protection,  and  they  become  dislodged 
when  hogs  are  crowded  together  and  sprinkled 
with  water. 

Description. — The  hog  louse  is  a  blood- sucking 
parasite  and  the  largest  species  of  the  family.  The 
female,  when  grown,  is  fully  one-fourth  of  an  inch 
long,  but  the  male  is  smaller.  The  latter  is  also 
distinguished  by  a  dark  streak  on  the  middle  and 
ventral   surface   of   the   last   three   abdominal    seg- 

i6i 


1 62 


DISEASES     OF     SWINE 


ments.  The  general  color  of  the  louse  is  gray, 
with  the  margins  of  the  head,  thorax,  and  abdomen 
dark. 

The  eggs  are  found  in  large  numbers  attached 
to  the  hair  in  the  region  of  the  ears,  shoulders, 
and  thighs.  They  are  slightly  yellowish  or  dusky 
white  in  color,  somewhat  oval  in  shape,  tapering 
toward  the  point  of  attachment  and  large  at  the 


FIG.    l6 — A   HOG  LOUSE  AND   HAIR   WITH   EGGS   ATTACHED 


free  end,  the  lid  of  which  is  forced  open  by  the 
young  louse  when  it  is  ready  to  leave  the  egg. 
The  period  of  hatching  is  probably  from  one  to 
three  weeks. 

Source  of  Infection. — This  pest  is  widely  dis- 
tributed. Hogs  become  infested  by  coming  in  con- 
tact with  lousy  hogs,  or  when  kept  in  pens  and 
hog  houses  that  have  been  occupied  by  such  ani- 


PARASITIC  DISEASES  I63 

mals.  A  very  common  source  of  infestion  is  the 
buying  of  stock  hogs  from  infested  herds  and 
allowing  them  to  mix  with  the  herd  without  de- 
stroying the  lice  and  eggs  that  are  on  them. 
The  thinness  of  the  coat  enables  the  animal  to 
brush  off  the  lice,  and  they  become  scattered 
around  the  premises  and  crawl  onto  other  ani- 
mals whenever  the  opportunity  offers.  The  tumble- 
down, dirty  hog  houses,  sheds  and  old  straw  stacks 
that  are  often  used  as  quarters  for  hogs,  when  once 
infested  with  lice,  become  centers  of  infection,  unless 
radical  steps  are  taken  to  destroy  the  pest. 

Injurious  Results. — Whenever  a  large  number 
of  lice  are  present  on  a  hog,  they  cause  a  great 
amount  of  irritation,  and  the  animal  becomes 
restless  and  does  not  feed  as  well  as  common 
For  this  reason  growth  and  thriftiness  are  inter- 
fered .with.  Pigs  suffer  more  than  older  animals. 
The  irritation  to  the  thin  parts  of  the  skin  is 
sometimes  quite  noticeable,  and  some  authors  state 
that  the  hog  louse  is  one  cause  of  urticaria  (rash 
or  heat  sores).  However,  when  such  a  condition 
occurs,  it  is  generally  caused  by  the  application 
of  a  remedy  to  destroy  the  lice. 

The  unthrifty  condition  is  not  as  marked  in 
strong,  healthy  herds  as  it  is  in  diseased,  poorly 
cared-for  ones.  The  coat  becomes  thin  and 
rubbed  off,  and  the  skin  dirty  and  more  or  less 
covered  with  scales  and  sores.  There  is  no 
positive  evidence  that  the  hog  louse  can  convey 
disease-producing  germs  from  one  animal  to  another. 


164  DISEASES      OF      SWINE 

However,  some  writers  believe  that  lice  are  important 
agents  in  the  spread  of  hog  cholera. 

Treatment. — The  habits  of  hogs,  and  the  diffi- 
culty in  destroying  the  lice  scattered  around  the 
hog  houses  and  yards  make  it  a  task  to  free  a 
herd  from  lice.  Those  on  the  bodies  of  the  hogs 
are  easily  destroyed  by  dipping,  spraying,  or 
sprinkling  with  such  remedies  as  the  tar  disin- 
fectants, kerosene  emulsion,  and  the  different 
preparations  used  for  dipping  sheep.  Rut  unless 
the  necessary  precautions  are  taken  against  re- 
infection from  the  surroundings,  the  relief  is  only 
temporary. 

Two  per  cent,  water  solutions  of  the  tar  dis- 
infectants are  the  best  remedies  for  lice.  They 
are  best  applied  by  dipping  and  in  large  herds 
a  dipping  tank  is  a  necessity.  In  order  to  kill 
the  young  lice  that  have  hatched  from  the  eggs, 
the  hogs  should  be  dipped  two  or  three  times  at 
intervals  of  about  two  weeks.  There  should  be 
enough  of  the  solution  to  cover  the  animal,  when 
it  jumps  into  the  tank. 

Kerosene  emulsion  is  usually  applied  with  a 
spray  pump  or  sprinkling  can.  The  following 
formula  can  be  used :  Hard  soap,  one  pound ;  kero- 
sene, two  gallons,  and  water,  four  gallons.  One  part 
of  the  emulsion  to  eight  parts  of  water  can  be  used. 
Five  parts  of  water  and  one  of  kerosene  may  be  used 
if  the  spray  pump  has  an  attachment  for  mixing 
the  oil  and  water.  Water  solutions  of  the  tar 
disinfectants    may   be    applied    in    the    same    way    as 


PAIL\SITIC   DISEASES 


165 


the  abofe,  but  are  not  as  effective  as  when  used 
as  a  dip.  \Mien  these  niethods  are  used,  the  hogs 
should  be  crowded  into  a  sniah  pen  and  kept 
moving    about    so    that    they    will    rub    against   one 


FIG.    17 — DIPPING   TANK 

another.      Kerosene   remedies   should   not   be   used 
during   the    day    and    the    pigs    allowed    to    run    in 
the   hot   sun,   as    there   is   danger   of   the   skin   be- 
coming irritated.     A  better  time  is  in  the  evening. 
The    necessary    precautions    against    reinfection 


100 


DISEASES      OF      SWINE 


are  as  follows:  After  clipping  the  hogs,  they 
should  be  moved  to  quarters  that  they  have  not 
had  access  to  for  some  time.     This  should  be  done 


LONGITUDINAL    SECTION 


M 


6'- 


—  •Q- 


GROUND   PLAN.      SCALE   V-F  - 


SPECIFICATIONS    FOR    LUMBER    FOR 
DIPPING    TANK 

2  — 2"Xl2"Xl6'."^ 


CROSS    SECTION 


4  — 2"XI2"XI2'. 

2— i"x    6"Xi6'. 

2—  l"X     6"XI2'.  J 


FIG.    l8 — PLAN  FOR  GOODELL  DIPPING  TANK 

whenever  possible.  The  pens  and  hog  houses 
can  be  sprayed  with  the  same  remedies  recom- 
mended for  destroying  the  lice.  All  Htter  around 
the   hog   houses   and   pens   must   be   burned,   or   re- 


PARASITIC  DISEASES  167 

moved  to  a  place  where  the  hogs  do  not  have 
access  to.  Unless  the  yards  are  clean  and  well 
kept,  we  cannot  get  rid  of  them  by  destroying  the 
lice  on  the  hogs  and  paying  no  attention  to  the 
surroundings. 

THE  COMMON  ROUND  WORM 

Ascaris  Suilla — Duj. 

The  common  round  worm  is  a  parasite  of  the 
small  intestine.  Occasionally  a  few  of  these 
worms  drift  along  with  the  alimentary  matter  into 
the  large  intestine,  but  their  presence  here  is  ac- 
cidental and  they  finally  pass  out  with  the  ex- 
crement. It  is  not  uncommon  to  find  common 
round  worms  in  the  stomach  of  a  hog  that  has 
been  dead  for  a  short  time,  and  when  a  large 
number  are  present,  they  may  pass  on  into  the 
oesophagus.  This  is  due  to  the  reverse  peristalsis 
of  the  intestines,  or  the  movement  of  the  worms 
themselves.  The  digestive  juices  in  the  stomach 
will  in  a  short  time  destroy  them,  and  they  are 
unable  to  become  a  parasite  of  this  part  of  the 
digestive  tract.  Many  stockmen  have  erroneous 
ideas  regarding  this  parasite. 

Description. — The  body  of  the  common  round 
worm  is  pinkish  or  yellowish  white  in  color,  smooth, 
firm,  and  elastic,  and  tapering  toward  the  extremi- 
ties, the  head  end  being  more  tapering  than  the 
caudal  extremity.  The  female,  when  grown,  will 
average  about  eleven  inches  in  length,  and  the  male 
about  seven  inches.     The  latter  can  be  readily  dis- 


i68 


DISEASES      OF      SWINE 


tinguished  from  the  female  by  its  curved  caudal 
extremity. 

The  ova,  or  eggs,  are  about  one  four-hundredths 
of  an  inch  in  length. 

Source  of  Infection. — The  eggs  of  the  female  be- 


FIG.    19 — COMMON    ROUND    WORMS 

come  mixed  with  the  alimentary  matter  and  pass  out 
of  the  intestines  with  the  excrement,  and  become 
scattered  over  the  pens  and  pastures.  Infection  oc- 
curs  by  taking   the    eggs    containing    well-developed 


PARASITIC  DISEASES 


169 


embryonic  worms  into  the  digestive  tract  along  with 
the  food.  Such  conditions  as  favor  the  contamina- 
tion of  the  food  with  the  embryos,  especially  the 
drinking-water,  are  the  .  main  predisposing  causes. 
Young  and  unthrifty  hogs,  because  of  their  con- 
dition, are  predisposed  to  intestinal  worms.  Feeding 
hogs  on  dirty  feeding  floors,'  or  on  the  ground,  and 
drinking  from  ponds  and  dirty  watering  troughs,  are 
the  common  sources  of  infection. 


K 

■ft  44 

gJwPife^  ./^  j^r^^««^^^M 

^^^H             ^^  ^ 

FIG.    20 — ROUND    WORMS    IN    A    PIECE    OF    INTESTINE 


Symptoms. — The  symptoms  are  not  characteristic 
enough  to  enable  us  to  diagnose  this  particular  form 
of  intestinal  parasitism,  unless  the  worms  are  pres- 
ent in  the  feces.  The  character  of  the  symptoms 
depend  on  the  extent  of  the  invasion.  When  only  a 
few  forms  are  present,  but  little  disturbance  in  the 
thriftiness  of  the  animal  is  noted.  But  large  num- 
bers cause  the  lining  membrane  of  the  intestine  to 


170  DISEASES      OF      SWINE 

become  irritated  and  inflamed,  and  obstruct  the  pass- 
age of  the  food  along  the  canal.  The  resulting 
symptoms  are  those  of  acute  or  chronic  indigestion, 
and  in  young  and  poorly  cared-for  animals  the 
diseased  condition  is  marked.  Pigs  are  sometimes 
very  restless  because  of  the  irritation  to  the  in- 
testines, and  may  show  other  symptoms  of  a  nervous 
character. 

With  proper  care  and  feeding,  pigs  become  strong 
and  healthy  enough  to  throw  off  the  parasites.  In 
thrifty  hogs  round  worms  are  not  found  in  large 
numbers  and  cause  no  apparent  harm  to  their  host. 

THE  THORN-HEADED  WORM 

Echinorhynchus  Gigas — Goeze 

Hogs  are  the  only  domestic  animals  that  act  as 
hosts  for  the  thorn-headed  worm.  The  species  found 
in  hogs,  in  the  adult  stage,  is  a  parasite  of  the  small 
intestine,  sometimes  of  the  large,  and  is  usually 
found  fixed  to  the  intestinal  wall  by  means  of  its 
hooked  proboscis,  from  which  the  name  thorn- 
headed  is  derived.  This  parasite  is  not  as  common 
as  the  round  worm,  and  it  is  unusual  to  find  more 
than  five  or  six  of  them  in  the  intestines  of  any  one 
animal.  It  is  frequently  found  associated  with  the 
former,  but  is  easily  distinguished  from  it.  How- 
ever, the  loss  caused  by  it  is  no  doubt  large. 

Description. — The  thorn-^headed  worm  is  milky 
white  in  color,  irregularly  wrinkled  transversely, 
and  gradually  tapering  to  a  blunt  point  at  the 
posterior  extremity.     The  general  shape  of  the  body 


PARASITIC  DISEASES  I7I 

is  cylindrical,  with  the  greatest  diameter  toward  the 
anterior  part.  At  the  anterior  extremity  is  a  re- 
tractile proboscis  armed  with  six  rows  of  hooks,  by 
means  of  which  it  attaches  itself  to  the  intestinal 
wall. 

The  average  length  of  the  female  is  about  eleven 
inches;  that  of  the  male,  from  two  and  a  half  to 
three  inches. 

The    eggs    average  about    one    two-hundred-and- 


FIG.     21 — MALE    THORN-HEADED     WORM     ATTACHED    TO     WALL    OF 
INTESTINE 

fiftieth   of  an  inch   in  length,   and   are   smooth  and 
somewhat  cylindrical  in  shape. 

Source  of  Infection. — The  development  of  the 
thorn-headed  worm  requires  an  intermediate  host, 
the  larvae  of  the  May  beetle,  or  some  other  in- 
vertebrate form,  in  whic'h  they  encyst.  The  female 
deposits  her  eggs  in  the  hog's  intestines,  and  they 
pass   out   along   with    the    excrement.      In   this    way 


172  DISEASES      OF      SWINE 

they  accumulate  in  manure  heaps,  and  become  scat- 
tered over  the  hog  lots  and  pastures.  The  eggs  or 
ova  containing  embryonic  worms  are  eaten  by  white 
grubs,  in  which  they  encyst.  The  white  grubs  are 
in  turn  eaten  by  the  hog,  the  larvae  of  the  thorn- 
headed  worm  are  liberated  by  the  digestive  juices, 
and  become  a  parasite  of  the  small  intestine,  where 
they  develop  into  mature  parasites. 

It  is  necessary,  then,  for  the  hog  to  eat  a  white 
grub,  possibly  some  other  invertebrate,  that  is  in- 
fected with  the  larval  form  of  the  parasite  before  it 
can  become  infected.  Hence  it  is  in  old  hog  lots  and 
pastures,  around  manure  heaps  and  in  clover  fields 
where  grubs  are  plentiful,  that  hogs  suffer  most 
from  thorn-headed   worms. 

Symptoms. — The  worm  is  usually  found  with  its 
head  end  buried  more  or  less  deeply  in  the  walls  of 
the  intestine.  The  irritation  to  the  tissues  at  the  point 
of  attachment  is  severe,  and,  when  a  number  of 
worms  are  present,  the  intestines  appear  badly  irri- 
tated. It  may  not  remain  in  one  place,  but  drift  to 
different  parts.  The  former  places  of  attachment, 
if  recent,  are  marked  by  local  areas  of  inflamed  tis- 
sue. These  red,  thickened,  hard  areas  are  usually 
albout  a  quarter  of  an  inch  or  more  across,  and  have 
a  central  depression,  which  marks  the  point  where 
the  hooked  head  was  imbedded.  The  entire  thick- 
ness of  the  intestinal  wall  miay  be  involved. 

Some  writers  state  that  perforation  of  the  in- 
testine sometimes  occur.  We  should  doubt  the 
truth    of    this    statement.      Whenever    a    hog's    in- 


PARASITIC    DISEASES  I73 

testines  are  badly  irritated  and  inflamed  by  either 
the  common  round  or  thorn-headed  worm,  they 
tear  easily  when  handled,  because  of  the  inflamma- 
tory changes.  The  worms  may  drop  through  the 
torn  part  into  the  abdominal  cavity,  and  the  break 
in  the  wall  is  mistaken  for  a  perforation.  Stock- 
men frequently  describe  such  post  mortem  lesions  in 
hogs. 

The  disturbance  in  nutrition  and  the  class  of 
symptoms  shown  by  the  hog  depend  on  the  number 
of  worms  present.  In  most  cases  the  animal  does 
not  harbor  more  than  three  or  four,  and  these  are 
often  associated  with  other  forms,  generally  common 
round  worms.  Badly  infected  pigs  are  said  to  show 
an  irregular  appetite,  constipation,  diarrhoea,  severe 
pain,  and  marked  unthriftiness.  Most  writers  con- 
sider the  nervous  symptoms  of  most  importance. 
However,  the  symptoms  shown  do  not  diflfer  greatly 
from  those  resulting  from  the  presence  of  round 
worms. 

THE  PIN  WORM 
CEsophagostoma  Dcnfatum — Rud. 

The  pin  worm  is  a  very  common  parasite  in  hogs. 
It  is  usually  found  in  large  numbers  toward  the  be- 
ginning of  the  large  intestine  (caecum  and  double 
colon),  mixed  with  the  intestinal  contents  and  be- 
tween the  folds  of  the  lining  membrane.  It  is  a 
small  worm,  and  unless  looked  for  carefully  escapes 
notice. 

Description. — The  body  of  the  pin  worm  is  white 
or  grayish  brown  in  color,  straight  and  pointed  at 


174  DISEASES     OF      SWINE 

both  extremities.     The  average  length  is  about  half 
an  inch.     The  female  is  larger  than  the  male. 

Source  of  Infection. — This  species  of  intestinal 
worm  is  very  widely  distributed.  Infection  and  re- 
production occur  the  same  as  in  other  round  worms. 
The  large  is  a  more  favorable  location  for  parasites 
than  the  small  intestine,  as  they  are  situated  so  far 
back  that  it  is  difficult  to  destroy  them,  and  a  healthy 
digestion  does  not  disturb  their  development  to  the 
same  extent  that  it  does  in  the  small  intestine. 

Symptoms. — It  is  generally  understood  that  pin 
worms  interfere  but  very  little  with  the  thriftiness 
of  their  host.  The  worm  is  small,  and  its  location 
and  habits  are  not  what  we  expect  in  one  causing 
marked  disturbance.  Although  often  present  in 
large  numbers,  the  irritation  to  the  intestines  is  not 
sufficient  to  cause  a  noticeable  inflammation  of  the 
lining  membrane.  It  does  not  seem  to  cause  ^s  much 
annoyance  and  restlessness  as  do  the  pin  worms  in 
other  species  of  animals. 

Little  is  known  regarding  the  symptoms  of  dis- 
ease produced  by  the  pin  worm  of  hogs.  But  no 
doubt  in  conjunction  with  other  parasites  it  helps  in 
aggravating  the  symptoms  of  intestinal  parasitic  dis- 
eases. 

THE  WHIP  WORM 
Trichocephaliis  Crenatus — Rud. 

The  whip  worm  is  the  least  common  of  the  in- 
testinal worms  of  hogs.  It  is  usually  found  in  the 
beginning  of  the  large  intestine  (caecum),  with  its 
head  end  firmly  attached  to  the  lining  membrane. 


PARASITIC    DISEASES  1 75 

Description. — The  whip  worm  is  about  one  and  a 
half  inches  long.  The  anterior  two-thirds  of  the  body 
is  very  thin  and  hair-like,  and  the  posterior  third  is 
suddenly  expanded,  thick  and  cylindrical  in  shape. 
It  is  because  of  its  resembling  a  whip  in  shape  that 
it  is  popularly  known  as  whip  worm.     The  male  is 


\ 


FIG.    22 — WHIP    WORMS    ATTACHED    TO    WALL    OF    INTESTINE 

smaller  than  the  female,  but  the  difference  in  size 
is  not  as  noticeable  as  in  other  forms.  The  male 
can  be  easily  recognized  by  its  coiled  caudal  ex- 
tremity. 

Source  of  Infection. — Infection  occurs  in  the 
usuail  manner.  The  ova,  or  eggs,  become  scattered 
about  the  pens  and  pastures,  and  are  taken  into  the 


170  DISEASES      OF      SWINE 

digestive  tract  along  with  the  food,  usually  the 
drinking-water.  Four  weeks  after  reaching  the 
intestines,  eggs  that  contain  well-developed  embryos 
are  saiid  to  develop  into  mature  worms. 

Symptoms. — The  whip  worm  seems  to  cause  but 
little  disturbance,  even  when  present-  in  large  num- 
bers. It  no  doubt  irritates  the  lining  membrane  of 
the  csecum,  but  irritation  such  as  produced  by  this 
parasite  does  not  interfere  with  the  digestion  of  food 
to  a  noticeable  degree.  When  present  along  with 
other  forms,  it  no  doubt  helps  in  producing  symptoms 
of  parasitism. 

THE  TREATMENT   OF   INTESTINAL  WORMS 

Preventive  Treatment. — The  animal  parasites  that 
are  the  most  common  are  those  having  a  simple  life 
history.  When  an  intermediate  host  is  required,  as  is 
the  case  with  the  thorn-headed  worm,  tapeworms, 
and  flukes,  there  is  a  better  opportunity  to  desttx)y 
them,  and  a  very  small  per  cent,  of  the  eggs  and 
larvae  develop  into  mature  worms.  In  all  forms, 
however  favorable  the  surroundings  and  simple  the 
life  history,  a  large  per  cent,  of  the  eggs  perish. 
But  when  the  conditions  are  favorable,  the  eggs 
and  larvae  are  able  to  survive  for  a  longer  time  and 
have  a  better  chance  to  infect  animals  and  reach 
maturity. 

Stagnant  ponds  formed  by  surface  water  and  in 
which  hogs  wallow  are  favorable  places  for  the 
lower  forms  of  animal  life  to  incubate  and  develop. 
For  this  reason  old  pens  and  pastures,  if  wet,  should 


PARASITIC    DISEASES  177 

not  be  used  for  'hogs.  The  pastures  and  pens  should 
be  well  drained  and  all  ponds  filled  in.  More  atten- 
tion should  be  given  the  methods  used  in  feeding 
hogs.  Feeding  in  muddy  yards  that  have  been  in 
use  for  years  and  on  feeding  floors  that  are  not  kept 
clean,  should  not  be  practised.  The  drinking-water 
should  come  from  a  deep  well,  and  we  should  try  to 
keep  it  pure  by  using  clean  troughs  in  which  the 
hogs  cannot  wallow  and  fill  with  fihh. 

In  young  hogs  the  feeding  of  a  ration  that  will 
meet  the  needs  of  the  system  and  keep  them  in  a 
healthy  condition,  is  an  important  preventive  measure. 
Because  of  the  healthy,  active  condition  of  the  in- 
testines and  other  organs  as  well,  the  parasites  are 
unable  to  live  and  multiply,  and  most  of  them  perish 
and  are  thrown  off.  In  the  average  herd,  freedom 
from  this  class  of  disease  does  not  depend  so  much 
on  the  surroundings,  but  on  the  vigor  of  the  hogs 
themselves. 

In  order  to  prevent  infection  from  thorn-headed 
worms,  hogs  should  not  be  allowed  to  run  around  old 
straw  stacks  and  manure  heaps,  or  in  places  where 
white  grubs  are  common.  Old  hog  lots  and  pastures 
can  be  largely  freed  from  grubs  by  plowing  and 
sowing  them  to  some  forage  crop. 

Medicinal  Treatment.— The  average  herd  of  pigs 
is  kept  under  such  conditions  that  it  is  necessary 
to  dose  them  at  least  once  during  the  year  with 
some  remedy  that  will  destroy  the  worms,  or  drive 
them  out  of  the  intestines.  Drugs  belonging  to 
this    class    are    called    vermicides    and    vermifuges. 


178  DISEASES      OF      SWINE 

Some  of  the  "hog  cholera  remedies"  contain  these 
drugs,  and  swine  breeders  sometimes  use  these 
preparations  as  remedies  for  intestinal  worms. 

Turpentine,  santonin  and  calomel  are  the  drugs 
most  used  for  destroying  intestinal  worms.  In 
treating  hogs,  the  best  and  easiest  method  of  giving 
the  remedy  is  in  the  feed.  It  is  best  to  divide  the 
herd  into  small  bunches  of  five  or  ten,  and  dose 
each  bunch  separately.  If  this  is  not  practiced,  all 
will  not  receive  the  proper  dose.  Powdered  prepa- 
rations like  santonin  and  calomel,  that  are  insolu- 
ble, should  be  mixed  with  ground  feed  and  fed  in 
a  trough.  Drugs  like  turpentine  and  gasoline,  that 
form  an  emulsion  with  milk,  are  best  given  in  this 
manner. 

Turpentine  is  a  cheap  and  convenient  remedy, 
especially  for  the  thorn-headed  worm.  The  dose  is 
one  teaspoonful  for  every  eighty,  or  one  hundred 
pounds  live  weight.  A  very  good  time  to  admin- 
ister it  is  in  the  morning  after  the  pigs  have  been 
starved  for  at  least  twelve  hours.  Withholding  all 
food  for  a  short  time  before  giving  the  remedy 
should  be  practiced.  The  dose  of  turpentine  should 
be  repeated  daily  until  three  doses  are  given. 

Stockmen  will  find  santonin  and  calomel  very 
effective  remedies  for  intestinal  worms.  Five 
grains  of  calomel,  and  eight  grains  of  santonin  may 
be  given  for  every  hundred  pounds  live  weight. 
The  two  drugs  should  be  put  up  in  pow^ders  large 
enough  for  the  bunch  of  five  or  ten  pigs,  and  fed  in 
ground  feed.     A  mixture  of  areca  nut  and  worm 


PARASITIC   DISEASES  I79 

seed  in  teaspoonful  doses  is  also  recommended.  In 
special  cases  it  is  well  to  follow  the  above  with  a 
physic. 

THE  KIDNEY  WORM 

Sclerostoma  Pinguicola — Verrill 

Stockmen  are  better  acquainted  with  the  intes- 
tinal worms  than  they  are  with  the  kidney  worm. 
As  its  name  indicates,  it  is  a  parasite  of  the  kidneys 
and  the  fat  surrounding  them.  The  kidney  worm 
is  not  as  common  as  the  intestinal  forms,  and  is 
not  found  in  such  large  numbers.  Its  home  is  in 
cysts  and  canals  excavated  in  the  tissues,  and  gen- 
erally two  or  more  worms  are  present  in  the  one 
cyst,  together  with  a  large  number  of  eggs. 

Description. — The  body  is  cylindrical  in  shape 
and  tapering  toward  the  extremities,  dark  in  color 
and  quite  mottled.  The  female  is  from  an  inch 
and  a  half  to  two  inches  in  length,  and  the  tail  is 
curved  with  a  conical-shaped  tip.  The  male  is  from 
an  inch  to  an  inch  and  a  half  in  length,  and  the 
posterior  extremity  forms  a  blunt  point.  The  mouth 
in  either  sex  is  circular. 

The  eggs  are  oval-shaped  and  about  one  two- 
hundred-and-fiftieth  of  an  inch  in  length. 

Source  of  Infection. — The  method  of  infection,  or 
the  life  history  of  the  kidney  worm,  has  never  been 
worked  out,  but  no  doubt  infection  occurs  direct 
from  one  hog  to  another  without  an  intermediate 
host.  Some  of  the  canals  and  cysts  occupied  by  the 
worms  open  into  the  pelvis  of  the  kidney.  The  eggs 
deposited   in   these  cysts  become   mixed   with   the 


FIG.     23 — SECTION     OF     HOGS     KIDNEY     SHOWING     KIDNEY     WORMS 


PARASITIC    DISEASES  I»I 

urine  and  pass  out  with  it.  Moist  surroundings 
seem  to  be  necessary  for  the  development  of  the 
embryos.  The  probable  method  of  infection  is 
through  the  food  supply.  The  well-developed  em- 
bryos reach  the  intestines  along  with  the  food,  and 
finally  pass  from  here  to  the  region  of  the  kidneys, 
where  they  find  the  conditions  favorable  for  de- 
velopment. 

Symptoms. — The  kidney  worm  does  not  produce 
characteristic  symptoms  of  disease,  and  we  are  un- 
able to  diagnose  its  presence  in  the  living  animal, 
unless  it  is  possible  to  find  the  eggs  of  the  parasite 
on  making  an  examination  of  the  urine.  Some 
swine  breeders  believe  that  a  weak  back  and 
paralysis  of  the  hind  parts  are  symptoms  of  this 
disease,  and  a  few  years  ago  the  kidney  worm  was 
claimed  by  some  to  cause  hog  cholera.  There  is 
nothing  to  prove  the  above  statements,  and  the 
presence  of  the  worm  under  such  conditions  is  only 
a  coincidence.  Paralysis  in  hogs  is  not  produced 
by  this  parasite,  as  has  been  proven  by  numerous 
post  mortem  examinations. 

The  irritation  to  the  walls  of  the  pelvis  and  ureter 
is  sometimes  sufficient  to  cause  an  inflammation  of 
the  parts,  but  in  hogs  so  diseased,  no  noticeable 
symptoms  of  kidney  trouble  develop.  The  tissue 
in  the  region  of  the  cysts  and  canals  is  replaced 
largely  by  inflammatory  tissue.  Small  pus  centers 
are  often  noted.  Large  abscesses  may  also  occur, 
but  the  latter  lesion  is  quite  common  when  no  kid- 
ney worms  are  present. 


l82  DISEASES      OF      SWINE 

Treatment. — Preventive  treatment  is  the  only  suc- 
cessful method  of  combating  the  kidney  worm. 
This  is  along  the  same  lines  as  recommended  for 
intestinal  worms.  The  turpentine  treatment  may 
be  of  some  benefit,  as  it  is  partially  eliminated  from 
the  body  by  the  kidneys.  However,  it  is  hardly 
probable  that  such  treatment  as  this  would  prove 
at  all  effective,  even  if  a  correct  diagnosis  was  made. 

THE  LUNG  WORM 

Strongylus  Paradoxus — Mehlis 

The  lung  worm  of  hogs  is  of  greater  economic 
importance  than  is  commonly  believed.  It  is  the 
most  common  parasite  of  swine,  and  when  the  con- 
ditions are  favorable  for  its  development,  may  be 
present  in  the  air  passages  in  large  numbers  and 
seriously  interfere  with  the  thriftiness  of  the  pigs. 
It  is  usually  found  in  the  small  bronchial  tubes 
mixed  with  the  mucus,  which  is  secreted  in  abun- 
dance by  the  irritated  lining  membrane.  If  the 
infection  is  light,  the  parasite  is  generally  over- 
looked. In  such  cases  if  a  piece  of  the  lung  is  cut 
off  at  the  apex,  and  the  tissue  pressed  between  the 
fingers,  the  worms  present  in  the  bronchi  are  forced 
out  and  onto  the  cut  surface. 

Description. — The  lung  worm  has  a  thread-like 
body,  varying  in  length  from  three-quarters  of  an 
inch  to  an  inch  and  a  half,  and  white  or  brownish 
in  color.  The  male  is  smaller  than  the  female  and 
the  tail  is  curved. 

Source    of    Infection. — The    complete    life    history 


PARASITIC    DISEASES  183 

of  the  lung  worm  of  hogs  is  not  known.  The  ma- 
ture worms,  which  are  present  in  the  bronchi,  pro- 
duce a  large  number  of  eggs  and  embryos.  These, 
and  sometimes  the  adult  worms,  are  coughed  up 
with  the  mucus  and  become  scattered  about  the 
pens  and  pastures.  Moist  surroundings  are  favor- 
able for  the  development  of  the  embryos,  but  such 
conditions  do  not  seem  to  be  necessary  for  their 
development.  Pigs  kept  in  dry  lots  and  well  cared 
for  frequently  become  infected,  but  wet  surround- 
ings are  more  favorable  for  infection,  and  under 
such  conditions  this  class  of  disease  may  take  on  a 
severe  form. 

Lung  worm  diseases  cannot  be  produced  in  ani- 
mals by  feeding  them  the  mucus  from  the  air  pas- 
sages of  diseased  individuals.  The  only  avenue  of 
infection  is  seemingly  the  air  passages.  It  has  been 
shown  that  after  the  embryos  have  undergone  de- 
velopment in  moist  earth,  they  stand  drying  for  a 
short  time,  .and  when  placed  in  moist  surroundings 
will  again  assume  their  activity.  It  seems  possible, 
then,  for  infection  to  occur  as  a  result  of  inhaling 
dust  containing  embryos.  This  is  possible  because 
of  the  habit  hogs  have  of  wallowing  in  the  mud 
and  coating  themselves  with  dirt,  which  soon  dries 
and  is  brushed  off  in  the  hog  houses  and  pens,  and 
helps  to  make  their  quarters  dusty.  When  this  dust 
is  inhaled,  any  embryonic  worms  contained  in  it 
will  find  sufficient  moisture  in  the  air  passages  to 
revive  them. 

Symptoms  and  Lesions. — The  disease  is  largely 


1 84  DISEASES      OF      SWINE 

confined  to  pigs,  and  in  most  cases  the  symptoms 
are  so  mild  that  the  character  of  the  aihrient  is  not 
suspected.  A  spasmodic  cough  is  the  most  promi- 
nent symptom.  Sometimes,  regular  coughing  spells 
come  on  when  the  animal  begins  moving  about,  after 
it  has  been  lying  down.  Unless  the  infection  is 
severe,  difficult  breathing  does  not  occur,  and  there 
is  no  noticeable  check  in  the  growth  and  thriftiness 
of  the  pig.  The  latter  symptoms  are  never  as 
marked  as  in  lung-worm  diseases  of  calves  and 
lambs. 

In  well-cared-for  pigs,  the  appetite  remains  good 
and  the  pig  gradually  outgrows  the  disease.  In 
poorly  cared-for  and  weak  individuals,  the  outcome 
is  not  so  favorable,  and  they  may  become  stunted 
and  the  disease  persist  for  a  long  time.  Death 
seldom  occurs. 

The  lung  lesions  are  produced  by  the  worms  irri- 
tating the  lining  membrane  of  the  bronchial  tubes, 
causing  it  to  become  inflamed  and  increasing  the 
amount  of  mucus  secretions.  This  mucus,  to- 
gether with  the  worms,  may  plug  the  small  bronchi, 
prevent  the  air  from  passing  to  the  air  cells,  and 
cause  a  lobular  pneumonia.  Healthy  hogs  that  are 
slaughtered  in  the  abattoir  are  frequently  infested 
with  lung  worms ;  the  lungs  in  such  cases  show  but 
little  evidence  of  disease. 

Treatment. — This  parasite  is  so  widely  distributed 
that  it  is  necessary  to  use  all  measures  of  precaution 
possible  in  order  to  prevent  infection.  The  yards 
should  be  well  drained,  and  all  ponds  and  mud  holes 


PARASITE    DISEASES  1 85 

kept  filled  in.  The  sleeping  quarters  should  be  kept 
clean  and  disinfectants  used  freely.  Other  meas- 
ures as  recommended  in  the  treatment  of  intestinal 
worms  should  also  be  used. 

Medicinal  treatment  is  of  little  value.  Inhalation 
of  tar,  or  turpentine  fumes,  may  be  used,  but  the 
general  use  of  such  lines  of  treatment  is  unpractical. 
The  best  and  most  practical  method  of  treating 
lung  worm  diseases  is  good  care,  nourishing  food 
and  hygenic  surroundings. 

TRICHINOSIS 

Trichinosis  is  a  disease  of  the  muscular  tissue  of 
the  body  caused  by  a  small  round  worm,  the 
Trichina  Spiralis  (Owen).  It  occurs  in  two  forms 
in  animals — the  intestinal,  which  represents  the 
adult  worm  or  perfect  stage,  and  the  muscular,  which 
represents  the  larval  stage.  From  one  to  three  per 
cent,  of  the  pork  that  is  inspected  in  this  country 
is  said  to  be  infested  with  this  parasite. 

Source  of  Infection. — Hogs  become  affected  by 
eating  rats  that  are  infested  with  the  larval  form. 
According  to  the  investigations  made  by  Stiles,  rats 
around  the  country  slaughter-houses  are  quite  gen- 
erally infested  with-  trichina,  due  no  doubt  to  the 
careless  way  of  disposing  of  the  offal  at  such  places. 
Hogs  also  have  an  opportunity  to  feed  on  the  offal 
and  become  infected. 

Flesh  containing  the  larval  trichina,  when  taken 
into  the  digestive  tract,  is  acted  on  by  the  digestive 
juices,  and  the  young  parasites  are  liberated.     With- 


1 86  DISEASES      OF      SWINE 

in  a  few  days  they  develop  into  the  adult  form, 
copulation  takes  place,  the  eggs  hatch  in  the  uterus 
of  the  female,  and  in  about  one  week  the  embryos 
are  born.  The  embryos  then  migrate  from  the  in- 
testines and  finally  encyst  in  the  different  parts  of 
the  body. 

At  first  the  symptoms  manifested  are  those  of 
some  digestive  disease,  but  later  when  the  embryos 
are  migrating  through  the  tissues  of  the  body,  the 
symptoms  are  rheumatic  in  character. 

Treatment. — In  order  to  suppress  trichinosis  in 
hogs,  it  is  necessary  to  practice  proper  preventive 
measures.  The  most  necessary  preventive  precau- 
tion is  to  dispose  of  the  offal  at  the  country 
slaughter-house  by  tanking,  and  not  allow  rats  and 
hogs  to  eat  this  refuse. 

As  this  disease  is  communicable  to  man  and  may 
be  followed  by  fatal  results,  pork  should  be  eaten 
only  when  well  cooked,  or  w^ell  cured.  The  en- 
cysted worms  cannot  survive  the  proper  curing  and 
cooking  of  the  pork. 


«.<> 


A  LIST  OF  BOOKS  USED  AS  REFERENCE 

Friedberger  and  Frohner. — Pathology  and  Therapeutics 
of  the  Domestic  Animals.     W.  L.  Zuill.     M.  H.  Hayes. 

Law. — Veterinary    Medicine. 

Moore. — The  Pathology  of .  Infectious  Diseases  of  Ani- 
mals. 

Neumann. — A  Treatise  on  the  Non-Microbic  Parasitic 
Diseases  of  the  Domesticated  Animals.  George 
Fleming. 

Fleming. — Veterinary   Obstetrics. 

Sternberg. — Infection    and    Immunity. 

Winslow. — Veterinary   Materia  Medica  and  Therapeutics. 

Moeller. — Regional  Veterinary  Surgery.  John  A.  W.  Dol- 
lar. 


LIST  OF  REPORTS,  BULLETINS   AND   PERIODI- 
CALS USED  AS  REFERENCE 

Annual  Reports  and  Special  Reports  issued  by  the  Bureau 

of  Animal  Industry,  U.  S.  Department  of  Agriculture. 
Bulletins  issued  by  the  Bureau  of  Animal  Industry,  U.  S. 

Department  of  Agriculture. 
Bulletins  issued  by  the  various  State  Experiment  Stations; 

especially  Bulletin  No.  lOO,  Vol.  12,  Purdue  University 

Agricultural    Experiment  Station. 
Agricultural  Periodicals. 


INDEX 


PAGE 

Abortion 68,69 

Abscesses 155,  158 

in  tiie  Kidneys 33 

Administration  of  Medicine   .  .  .  4,  6 

by  injecting  into  the  tissues  be- 
neath the  skin 6 

by  way  of  the  mouth 4,  6 

by  way  of  the  air  passages  and 
lungs fj,  7 

by  way  of  the  rectum 7 

Anus,  Prolapsus  of  the   .  .  .  113, 114 

Arthritis,  Infectious 153,  155 

Articular  Rheumatism 86.  88 

Barrenness 66,  68 

Beards,  Effect  of  Eating  Wheat 

and  Barley 19,  20 

Blind  Staggers 59,  60 

Bladder,  Inflammation  of  the  .  34,  36 

Blood  Poisoning 155, 158 

Body  Temperature,  The 2,  3 

Body  Excretions  and  Secretions, 

The 3.  4 

Brain,  Inflammation  and  Conges- 

i  -nof  the 57,  59 

Bronchitis 43,  45 

Bullnose 91,  92 

Catarrh,  Nasal 39,  40 

Castration 105,107 

Complications  following  .   .^  108,  109 

of     Cryptorchids     of      "Orig- 

/^      inals" 109,,111 
Cholera,  Hog .  117,134 

Causes 118, 121 

Symptoms 121,  126 

Treatment 126. 134 

Cholera,  Disease  Resembling  Hog 

135, 136 
Choking  , ,  ,  .     97,  98 


PAOK 

Constipation 23,  24 

Cold  in  the  Head 39,  40 

Cotton  Seed,  Poisoning  from  Eat- 
ing       18 

Cystic  CalcuU 36 

Cystitis 34,  36 

Depraved  Appetite 10,  11 

Diaphram,  Spasm  of  the  ....  54,  56 

Diarrhcea 22,  23 

in  Young  Pigs 20,  22 

Disease,  General  Symptoms  of  .  1,    4  j - 

Diseases,  General 1,    7    » 

of  the  Digestive  Organs  ...   8,  26    V" 

of  the  Heart 53,  56    \ 

of  the  Generative  Organs  .  .  66,  79     C 

of  the  Liver 27,  29 

of  the  Locomotory  Organs  .  .  86,  93 

of  the  Nervous  System  ....  57,  65     ^ 

of  the  Respiratory  Tract  .  .  39,  52     -^ 

of  the  Skin 80,  85    ---jj 

of  the  Spleen 88       ' 

of  the  Urinary  Organs  .  .  .  .  31,  37 

Infectious 117, 158 

Parasitic 161,186 

Surgical 97,114 

Dysentery 22,  23 

Eczema 82,  84 

Epilepsy 60,  61 

Ergot,  Poisoning  from  Eating  .18.  19 

Fits 60,  61 

Gallstones 17 

Garget 75,  76 

Gastritis,:  Acute    ....:.....  11,  13 

Chronic 12,   13 

Gastro-enteritis 13,  16 

Growths  or  tumor  formations  .   .    109 

Heat  Stroke 61.  62 

Heart  Diseases  in  General ...  53,  54 

I83 


INDEX 


189 


PAGE 

Hemorrhage 108 

Hematocele 77,  78 

Hernia 98,104 

Umbilical 99,101 

Scrotal 101, 103 

Ventral 103,104 

Hog  Cholera 117,134 

Louse,  The 161,167 

Indigestion,  Acute 11,  13 

Chronic 12,  13 

Infectious  Diseases 117, 158 

Sore  Mouth  in  Pigs 142, 145 

Arthritis 153,155 

Intestinal  Worms,  The  Treatment 

of 176,179 

Intestines,  Inflammation  of   the 

Stomach  and 13,  l6 

Inversion  and  Prolapsus  of  the 

Vagina  and  Uterus 73,  75 

Jaundice 27,  30 

Kidneys,  Congestion  and  Inflam- 
mation of  the 31,  34 

Kidney  Worm,  The 179,182 

Laryngitis 40,  43 

Liver,  Congestion  and  Inflamma- 
tion of  the    27,  30 

Locomotory  Organs,  Diseases  of 

the 66,  79 

Louse,  The  Hog 161,  167 

Lungs,  Inflammation  of  the  .  .  45,  49 

Lung  Worm,  The 183,  185 

Mange,  Pitch 82,  84 

Meat  Brine,  Poisoning  from  .  .  16,  17 
Medicine,  Administration  of  .  .  4,  7 
Mouth,  Simple   Inflammation   of 

the 8,  10 

Mouth,  Infectious  Sore    .  .   .  142,  145 
Mucous  Membranes,  The  Visible  .       3 
Muscular  and  Articular  Rheuma- 
tism     86,  88 

Nasal  Catarrh 39,  40 

Nervous   System,  Diseases   of 

the 57,  65 

Nettle-rash 80,  82 

Orchitis 76,  77 

k'  Originals,"  Castration  of  .  .  109,  111 


PAGB 

Ovariotomy in,  iig 

Palpitation ■'")4,  56 

Paralysis  of  the  Posterior  Part  of 

the  Body GJ,  65 

Paralysis  of  the  Bladder 36 

Parasitic  Diseases 158, 186 

Peritonitis 24,  26 

Peritonium,  Inflammation  of 

the 24,  26 

Pharyngo-laryngitis 40,  42 

Pin  Worm,  The 173,  174 

Pleura,  Inflammation  of  the  .  .  49,  52 

Pleurisy 49,  52 

Pneumonia 45,  49 

Poisoning 16,  19 

Blood 155, 158 

Prepuce  or  Sheath,  Inflammation 

of  the 78,  79 

Prolapsus  of  the  Anus  ....   113, 114 

Pyasmia,  Simple 155, 158 

Rabies 150,  153 

Respirations  per  minute,  The  num- 
ber of 2 

Respiratory    Tract,    Diseases    of 

the 39,  52 

Retention  of  the  Urine    ....  36,  37 

Rhachitis 88,  90 

Rheumatism,  Muscular  and  Artic- 
ular       86,  88 

Round  Worm,  The  Common  .  167, 170 

Scours 20,  22 

Scrotum,  Water  in  the 77,  78 

Scrotal  or  Inguinal  Hernia  .  .  101, 103 

Septicaemia.  Simple 155, 158 

Sheath,  Inflammation  of  the  Pre- 
puce or 78,  79 

Skin,  Diseases  of  the 80,  85 

Warts 84,  85 

Spasm  of  the  Diaphram  ....  54,  56 
of  the  Neck  of  the  Bladder  .  .     36 

Snuffles 91,  92 

Sore  Feet 92,  93 

Teats 76 

Throat 40,  42 

Mouth  in  Pigs,  Infectious  .  142, 145 
Mouth,  Simple 8,   10 


I  go 


INDEX 


PAGE 

Spleen,  Diseases  of  the  .  ,  .  .  .     38 

Spaying Ill,  113 

Staggers,  Blind .  59,  60 

Sterility , 66,  68 

Stomatitis,  Simple 8,   10 

Necrotic ,,  142,  145 

Sunstroke 61,  62 

Swine  Plague 136, 142 

Causes 137,  138 

Symptoms 138, 140 

Treatment 141 

Temperature,  the  Body    ....  2,     3 
Testicles,  Inflammation  of  the  .  76,  77 

Thumps ,   ....  54,  56 

Thorn  Headed  Worm,  The  .   .  170, 173 
Treatment  of  Intestinal  Worms, 

The 176,179 

Trichinosis ,   .   185,  186 

Tuberculosis 145, 150 

Tumor  formations,  Growths  of  .    109 
Udder,  Inflammation  of  the  ,  .  75,  76 


PAGK 

Umbilical  Hernia 99,  101 

Urinary  Organs,  Diseases  of  the 

31:    37 

Urine,  Retention  of  the   ....  36,  87 

Urticaria  .....      ......  80,  82 

Vagina,    Inflammation    of    the 

Uterus  and .  71,  73 

Ventral  Hernia 108, 104 

Vertigo 59,  60 

Washing      Powders,      Poisoning 

from 17,  18 

Warts,  Skin 84,  85 

Wheat  and  Barley  Beards,  Effect 

of  Eating  . 19,  20 

Worm,  The  Common  Round  .  167, 170 
The  Thorn  Headed  ,  .  .  .  .  170, 173 

The  Oin     .  , 173, 174 

The  Whip, 174, 176 

The  Kidney 179, 182 

The  Lung.    ,  = 182,185 

Yellows ,  .  .  ,  o  .  .  27,  30 


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History,  Cultivation  and  Merits.  Its  Uses  as  a  Forage 
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Forage  Crops  Other  Than  Grasses 

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Soiling  Crops  and  the  Silo 

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The  Study  of  Breeds 

By  Thomas  Shaw.  Origin,  history,  distribution,  charac- 
teristics, adaptability,  uses,  and  standards  of  excellence  of  all 
pedigreed  breeds  of  cattle,  sheep  and  swine  in  America.  The 
accepted  text  book  m  colleges,  and  the  authority  for 
farmers  and  breeders.  Illustrated.  371  pages.  5x7  inches. 
Cloth $1.50 

Clovers  and  How  to  Grow  Them 

By  Thomas  Shaw.  This  is  the  first  book  published  which 
treats  on  the  growth,  cultivation  and  treatment  of  clovers  as 
applicable  to  all  parts  of  the  United  States  and  Canada,  and 
which  takes  up  the  entire  subject  in  a  systematic  way  and 
consecutive  sequence.  The  importance  of  clover  in  the  econ- 
omy of  the  farm  is  so  great  that  an  exhaustive  work  on  this 
subject  will  no  doubt  be  welcomed  by  students  in  agriculture, 
as  well  as  by  all  who  are  interested  in  the  tilling  of  the  soil. 
Illustrated.    5  x  7  inches.    337  pages.    Cloth.    Net    .     .     $i.oc 

(13) 


The  New  Egg  Farm 

By  H.  H.  Stoddard.  A  practical,  reliable  manual  on 
producing  eggs  and  poultry  for  market  as  a  profitable  business 
enterprise,  either  by  itself  or  connected  with  other  branches 
of  agriculture.  It  tells  all  about  how  to  feed  and  manage, 
how  to  breed  and  select,  incubators  and  brooders,  its  labor- 
saving  devices,  etc.,  etc.  Illustrated.  331  pages.  5x7  inches. 
Cloth $1.00 

Poultry  Feeding  and  Fattening 

Compiled  by  G.  B.  Fiske.  A  handbook  for  poultry  keep- 
ers on  the  standard  and  improved  methods  of  feeding  and 
marketing  all  kinds  of  poultry.  The  subject  of  feeding  and 
fattening  poultry  is  prepared  largely  from  the  side  of  the 
best  practice  and  experience  here  and  abroad,  although  the 
underlying  science  of  feeding  is  explained  as  fully  as  needful. 
The  subject  covers  all  branches,  including  chickens,  broilers, 
capons,  turkeys  and  waterfowl ;  how  to  feed  under  various 
conditions  and  for  different  purposes.  The  whole  subject  of 
capons  and  caponizing  is  treated  in  detail.  A  great  mass  of 
practical  information  and  experience  not  readily  obtainable 
elsewhere  is  given  with  full  and  explicit  directions  for  fatten- 
ing and  preparing  for  market.  This  book  will  meet  the  needs 
of  amateurs  as  well  as  commercial  poultry  raisers.  Profusely 
illustrated.    160  pages.    5  x  7^  inches.    Cloth.     .     .     .     $0.50 

Poultry  Architecture 

Compiled  by  G.  B.  Fiske.  A  treatise  on  poultry  buildings 
of  all  grades,  styles  and  classes,  and  their  proper  location, 
coops,  additions  and  special  construction ;  all  practical  in  de- 
sign, and  reasonable  in  cost.  Over  100  illustrations.  125  pages. 
5x7  inches.     Cloth $0.50 

Poultry  Appliances  and  Handicraft 

Compiled  by  G.  B.  Fiske.  Illustrated  description  of  a 
great  variety  and  styles  of  the  best  homemade  nests,  roosts, 
windows,  ventilators,  incubators  and  brooders,  feeding  and 
watering  appliances,  etc.,  etc.  Over  100  illustrations.  Over 
125  pages.    5x7  inches.    Cloth $0.50 

Turkeys  and  How  to  Grow  Them 

Edited  by  Herbert  Myrick.  A  treatise  on  the  natural 
history  and  origin  of  the  name  of  turkeys ;  the  various  breeds, 
the  best  methods  to  insure  success  in  the  business  of  turkey 
growing.  With  essays  from  practical  turkey  growers  in 
different  parts  of  the  United  States  and  Canada,     Copiously 

illustrated.    154  pages.    5  x  7  inches.    Cloth $1.00 

(18) 


Farmer's  Cyclopedia 
of  Agriculture    )»    )» 

A  Compendiuvi  of  Agricultural  Science  and  Prac- 
tice on  Farm,  Orchard  and  Garden  Crops,  and  the 
Feeding  and  Diseases  of  Farm  Animals 

IBy    EARLEY    VERNON    WILCOX.    Ph.  D, 
and   CLARENCE    BEAMAN    SMITH.    M.  S 

Associate  Editors  tn  the  Office  of  Experiment  Stations,   United  States 
Department  of  Agriculture 


THIS  is  a  new.  practical,  and  complete 
presentation  of  the  whole  subject  of  ag- 
riculture in  its  broadest  sense.  It  is  de- 
signed for  the  use  of  agriculturists  who 
desire  up-to-date,  reliable  information 
on  all  matters  pertaining  to  crops  and  stock,  but 
more  particularly  for  the  actual  farmer.  The 
volume  contains 

Detailed  directions  for  the  culture  of  every 
important  field,    orchard,   and   garden   crop 

grown  in  America,  together  with  descriptions  of 
their  chief  insect  pests  and  fungous  diseases,  and 
remedies  for  their  control.  It  contains  an  ac- 
count of  modern  methods  in  feeding  and  handling 
all  farm  s*:ock,  including  poultry.  The  diseases 
which  affect  different  farm  animals  and  poultry 
are  described,  and  the  most  recent  remedies  sug- 
gested for  controlling  them. 

Every  bit  of  this  vast  mass  of  new  and  useful 
information  is  authoritative,  practical  and  easily 
found,  and  no  effort  has  been  spared  to  include 
all  desirable  details.  There  are  between  6,000 
and  7,000  topics  covered  in  these  references,  and 
it  contains  700  royal  8vo  pages  and  nearly  500 
superb  half-tone  and  other  original  illustrations, 
making  the  most  perfect  Cyclopedia  of  Agricul- 
ture ever  attempted. 

Handjomety  bound  in  clolh,  ^3.50;  half  morocco 
{'Otry  jumpluouj),  ■^4-. 50,  pojtpaid 

nOAIIPr    llinn  mtlDAIIY    315321  Fourth  Avenue.  New  York.N  Y. 
UIUIIIUL  JUUU  UUMrAllI,       People's  Gas  Building.  Chicaoo.  IK. 

(19) 


BOUND    TO    PLEASE 


■'"""     I U     KLEASi 


MAR. 65 

N.    MANCHESTER, 
INDIANA 


